Updated safety standard for DC isolating switches

A new standard has been developed to improve safety outcomes for isolators used during renewable energy installations.

From 30 June 2018, DC isolating switches used in solar photovoltaic (PV) and renewable energy installations must comply with a Level 3 certification under the Electrical Equipment Safety System (EESS).

This means DC isolating switches must have a valid Certificate of Conformity confirming the product complies with Australian Standard AS 60947.3:2018. The brand and all relevant models must be registered to the responsible supplier in the EESS national database and be marked with the regulatory compliance mark (RCM).

The EESS provides a transition arrangement to allow responsible suppliers to sell existing stock up until 30 June 2019.

In Queensland, wholesalers, retailers and electrical contractors may continue to supply or install the DC isolators they have in stock, provided the importer or manufacturer of the isolators is registered with the EESS and the isolator bears the RCM.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Lisa F. Young