NSW: Recall of Solar Isolators

Published

Acting NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Robert Vellar has announced a recall of Avanco brand DC Solar Isolators imported by the Queensland company Advancetech Pty Ltd.

The move follows last week’s recall by the Electrical Safety Office in Queensland after determining the poor design of the isolator switches could cause malfunction.

The affected models include:

AV/DC4P25A, AV/DC2P25A, AV/DC4P25AUB, AV/DC2P625AU, AV/DC2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P25AU, AV/DC2/2P125AU, AV/DC4P25AU, AV/DC4P25AUS and AV/DC4P25AUT.

On 16 May 2014 Fair Trading was advised Advancetech Pty Ltd had been placed under external administration and David Stimpson of S V Partners, Brisbane, had been appointed liquidator. The company has ceased trading.

“We have been advised by Queensland that up to 3,740 of the affected switches were sold to 19 distributors in NSW,” Mr Vellar said.

“Testing has revealed the switch’s enclosure is not adequate as it allows in moisture that may cause sparks and in some cases fire.”

Although NSW Fire & Rescue has responded to only one incident linked to the faulty switches, 57 similar incidents have been reported in Queensland.

“As the mandatory recall by the Queensland electrical safety regulator has been actioned under statebased electrical safety, NSW Fair Trading is now ensuring the recall in this state takes place under section 22 of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004,” Mr Vellar said.

“This will ensure traders and consumers are fully informed of the situation in NSW and may pursue their respective rights under legislation to have affected switches replaced and work rectified as required.”

Mr Vellar repeated his warning that under no circumstances should consumers attempt to replace the switches themselves.

“If you think you have a faulty isolator switch on your solar panel system, contact your installer and arrange for an inspection,” he said.

“If the switch needs replacing, consumers should not be charged additionally. Installers should contact their distributor or the liquidators of the Queensland company Advancetech P/L on (07) 5479 6199 to seek refunds on the faulty products.”

For more information about Fair Trading go to the Fair Trading website.

Follow Fair Trading on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/FairTradingNSW
and Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NSW_FairTrading

Contact details

Media contact: 0407 529 553

Responsible regulator

Product category

Is this page useful?