From 30 June 2018, DC isolating switches used in solar PV installations must comply with a Level 3 certification under the national 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).

Under the EESS, equipment suppliers and electrical contractors may continue to use the DC isolators they have in stock for the 12 month notice period (commencing 30 June 2018) in Western Australia, provided the isolators are certified and registered with the EESS under their current Level 1 rating and bear the RCM.

AS/NZS 4417.2:2012 was amended on 30 June 2017 to include this Level 3 requirement for DC isolators as a prescribed item of electrical equipment, with an implementation date of 30 June 2018. Suppliers of these switches must proceed quickly to obtain the Level 3 certification for their products before ordering additional stock.

Electrical contractors installing solar PV equipment need to confirm with their suppliers that DC isolators they are purchasing are either existing complying Level 1 stock or are new supplies meeting the Level 3 rating.

For further information contact Building and Energy at be.info@dmirs.wa.gov.au or on 6251 1900.