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Requirements for DC isolators in Victoria
By Goran Sokoleski , Compliance Officer , Electrical Equipment Safety
On 30 July 2018 , DC isolators became prescribed electrical equipment . This requirement was introduced by amendment 4 of AS / NZS 4417.2:2012 .
Amendment 4 introduced nine additions to the prescribed electrical equipment categories — one of these additions was DC isolators .
DC Isolator An electrical device that — a ) is an air-break b ) is for connection to the wiring of household photovaltaic ( PV ) electrical installation , other household renewable energy installation , or household energy storage installation ; and includes : c ) any dedicated individual enclosure where the DC isolator is classified as enclosed outdoor . A ‘ dedicated individual enclosure ’ includes a single DC isolator in an enclosure or multiple DC isolators in a common enclosure , but does not include the enclosure where the DC isolator is to be installed integral within a power conditioning equipment ( PCE ) enclosure , or is to be installed in an enclosure that complies with a relevant standard for assemblies for use in photovoltaic networks . Class specification AS / NZS 60947.3
It is an offence under section 57 of the Electricity Safety Act 1998 ( the Act ) to supply Level 3 or prescribed electrical equipment without being approved by ESV , another electrical safety state regulator or JAS-ANZ accredited third party certifier .
There are currently a number of DC isolators that have been approved and listed on ERAC website .
ESV expects that DC isolators supplied and installed currently will be approved , have the required approval marking , and be listed on the ERAC website .
What does this mean for LEIs ?
LEIs should satisfy themselves that the installer has made every effort to source and install approved DC isolators .
More information
For any queries or further information , please contact our technical line on ( 03 ) 9203 9700 — option 2 .
Safety alert − RCBO prohibition
By Jean-Marie Ntahonkiriye , Compliance Officer , Electrical Equipment Safety
On 1 July 2018 , Energy Safe Victoria ( ESV ) prohibited the supply of RCBOs that do not pass additional tests set by ESV .
If an RCBO covered by the prohibition is not on the list published on ESV ’ s website as having passed the additional tests , it cannot be supplied or installed after 1 July 2018 .
The prohibition applies to RCBOs even if they are integrated into other electrical equipment such as preassembled switchboards .
The prohibition does not apply to DIN mountable RCBOs that are greater than 110mm in length and DIN mountable RCBOs that have a short circuit breaking capacity of 10kA or greater .
However , RCBOs that are marked or marketed as being for household or residential use are covered by the prohibition regardless of their length or short circuit breaking capacity . Examples of RCBOs that comply , a copy of the prohibition notice and related information is available on our website .
There are currently over 580 models and 36 brands of RCBOs listed on the ESV website . More information A list of Q & As regarding the RCBO prohibition and all other information is also available on ESV ’ s website at www . esv . vic . gov . au / RCBO-prohibition