EnergySafety has issued a public warning about dangerous switches used in some solar systems installed between July 2013 and 10th October 2014.
Director of Energy Safety Ken Bowron said today the switches formed part of solar photo-voltaic installations.
“They are used to disconnect the current produced by solar panels so electricians can work safely on the electrical installation of a home or business,” Mr Bowron said.
“The switches listed below are faulty and the supplier has voluntarily agreed with ACCC to do a recall of their products”.
The defective brand and models are:
All NHP dc Solar Isolator Switches type KDA-432 and KDM-432
“The defective switches were sold between July 2013 and 10th October 2014,” Mr Bowron said. “It is important that anyone who had a solar system installed between these dates checks if any of the defective switches have been fitted to the installation.”
What do they look like?
Some solar installations will have two of these switches: one on the roof near the solar panels and another mounted close to the inverter which converts the solar direct current into the normal 240 Volt alternating current used in premises. This second switch and inverter are usually wall-mounted near the building’s main switchboard.
“If you have these switches installed, you should shut down the solar system immediately by following the shut-down procedure appearing on a label in the main switchboard or mounted near the inverter” Mr Bowron said.
“If you are unsure or cannot identify the types of isolators you have, check your operating manual or invoice. If you are still unsure, contact the company that sold the solar system for further advice”.
You do not need an electrician to shut the system down. However, you should seek assistance from the solar company if you are unsure of how to carry out the shut-down procedure safely. The system will only be electrically safe once it is shut down.
“Above all, do not attempt to get up on your roof to check the switch there,” Mr Bowron cautioned. “There is no need to do this.
“If you have identified such switches within your solar installations, please contact the electrical contractor or solar company who performed the installation to organise the replacement of the switch”.
For further information contact NHP Customer Service Centre, Phone 1300 NHP NHP (1300 647 647) or email [email protected].
For more information on consumer rights, contact Consumer Protection on 1300 304 054.
EnergySafety (6251 1900) can assist with any technical queries related to electrical safety.
Media contact: Catherine Gildersleeve 6251 1930 or 0411 258 721 (media enquiries only). [email protected]
Source: Department of Commerce
