Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has issued an urgent warning to home owners about serious fire risk following the recall of Salzer Brand DC isolators.
Two suppliers have issued an urgent recall and the Queensland Government has placed an immediate ban on the sale and installation of Salzer DC Isolators with the model number DCLB232, said MEA. These are also known as IPV40E and IPV40ES.
MEA CEO Malcolm Richards said the danger presented by the failed components was real, and could potentially result in a house fire if not addressed.
“If you’ve had a solar system installed in recent years, there’s a chance that it may include one of these recalled DC isolators,” Richards said.
According to AGL’s recall statement, some Salzer DC LB232 isolators have failed, generating excessive heat and causing the isolators to melt or char. “This has caused localised smoke and heat damage to the area surrounding the component.
“The component could present a fire risk under certain conditions.
“AGL will replace the components in the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems sold by AGL within the relevant period and offer an amount to compensate customers for having their system switched off (when they will not be generating electricity), which will be estimated based on the customer’s system size and other available data.”
MEA’s Richards said it was sensible for home owners to have their solar systems checked from time to time to ensure they were operating safely and with maximum output.
“When you’re not looking at it every day, it’s easy to forget that you have a solar power system on your roof. But it’s generating electricity and it is exposed to the elements, so it should be checked occasionally by an expert,” said Richards.