Solar power isolator recalled

The Attorney-General has issued a recall order on certain Avanco branded DC solar power isolators used on solar power systems after it was found to have an internal fault that can lead to overheating and fire.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie made the announcement following investigations conducted by the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) and independent reports from the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology.

“We want all Queenslanders to be safe at home and that’s why we’re acting quickly to ensure homeowners and installers can take the necessary steps to avoid any potential risks,” Mr Bleijie said.

“There have been some minor fire incidents involving Avanco brand isolators that have been contained in and around the isolator. No one has been injured and that’s the way we want to keep it.

“Around 27,000 of the affected isolators have been sold in Queensland so it’s important we get the word out there.”

Mr Bleijie said solar power systems installed on homes generally had an isolator located at the solar panels and another next to the inverter. The isolators are used to switch the system off to allow maintenance and repair work to be carried out safely.

“We’re asking as many homeowners and installers as possible to check their solar power system and if they have the affected isolator, to disable it so it can be replaced,” he said.

“For homeowners who can’t access the isolator safely or are unsure of what to do, we would encourage them to call their electrician or seek advice from their installer.

“This is about getting the message out to ensure people across the State are aware of the recall and aren’t living with a potential electrical hazard.”

The affected Avanco brand DC isolators include the following model numbers: AV/DC4P25A, AV/DC2P25A, AV/DC4P25AUB, AV/DC2P625AU, AV/DC2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P125AU, AV/DC4P25AU, AV/DC4P25AUS and AV/DC4P25AUT.

For more information on the recall and consumer rights, please visit the Electrical Safety Office website at electricalsafetyqld.gov.au or the Office of Fair Trading website at fairtrading.qld.gov.au/isolator-recall-consumer-rights.htm

[ENDS] 12 May 2014

Media Contact: Jaime Wells 0409 624 139 or Ashley McDermid 0412 731 355