Solar Is my rooftop DC isolator a fire risk?
Some solar DC isolators have been subject to safety notices; do not touch yours, and check the make against the regulator's list.
If you see smoke, flames, sparks or a burning smell at your solar equipment, leave the building and call 000. Otherwise, do not touch the isolator or go on the roof. Some DC isolators have been subject to safety notices, so check your make and model against the regulator's list and book a licensed installer.
What is a DC isolator?
A DC isolator is a switch in a solar system on the direct current side, between the panels and the inverter. It is designed to let a licensed person disconnect that side for maintenance and in emergencies. Some systems have one near the panels and another at the inverter.
Panels keep producing power whenever light reaches them, so the cabling and the isolator can be live in daylight. That is why this part of the system is for a licensed person only.
Why are some isolators a concern?
The Electrical Safety Office Queensland publishes product safety notices and recalls. Its electrical product recalls page lists DC isolators among the equipment covered by prohibition notices. Some installer blogs also describe older plastic isolators as a cause of fires.
We have not confirmed exactly which isolators are affected, so we won't guess. The notice names the makes and models it covers. Please read it, or ask your installer to, rather than relying on a general claim.
How can I check whether mine is affected?
You do not need to go near it. Your installation invoice, system design documents or the compliance paperwork from your installer should list the brand and model of the isolator. Compare that with the notice on the regulator's page. If the paperwork does not say, your installer can find out.
How to check whether yours is affected
Find your paperwork
Look for your installation invoice, system design and any certificate from the installer. Note the isolator brand and model if it is listed.
Compare with the regulator
Read the Electrical Safety Office Queensland notice and see whether your make and model is mentioned.
Contact your installer
Tell them what you found and ask whether your isolator is affected. If you can't find the details, ask them to identify it.
Book an inspection if affected or unsure
A licensed installer can inspect the isolator and replace it if needed. Do not go on the roof or touch it yourself.
What happens during an inspection?
A licensed installer or electrician will identify the isolator, check its condition and tell you whether it has to be replaced. If it does, they will carry out the work and should give you paperwork afterwards.
Should I be worried?
Most households with solar do not have a problem, but this is one of those checks worth doing. Claims that one component is the single biggest cause of solar fires have not been verified, so avoid anyone using that kind of scare language. A calm check of the paperwork and a licensed inspection is the sensible response.
What if mine is not on the list?
Then there is nothing in that notice for you to act on. It is still sensible to have your solar system inspected at sensible intervals by a licensed installer, particularly if it is old, was installed by someone you can no longer reach, or has shown error messages. Keep the inspection paperwork with your other solar records.
Frequently asked questions
It is a switch on the direct current side of a solar system, between the panels and the inverter. Only a licensed person should operate it.
No. Do not go on the roof. Use your installation paperwork, or ask your installer to identify the brand and model.
The Electrical Safety Office Queensland publishes product notices on its electrical product recalls page. Read the notice or ask your installer to.
A licensed electrician or solar installer. It is electrical work and should not be done by the homeowner.
We have not been able to verify that. Check the regulator's notice and ask a licensed installer to inspect yours.
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