{"id":80858,"date":"2024-01-09T08:48:45","date_gmt":"2024-01-08T23:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=80858"},"modified":"2024-01-11T16:57:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T07:27:54","slug":"accc-recalls-hybrid-inverters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/accc-recalls-hybrid-inverters\/","title":{"rendered":"ACCC Recalls Dangerous Growatt & GoodWe Inverters"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Important Clarification;<\/h2>\n

The ACCC has issued an urgent recall for some Growatt hybrid inverters. When badly installed, these units can expose the user to a live, hazardous voltage while operating.<\/p>\n

GoodWe grid connect inverters have also been recalled for a non compliant plug assembly, exposing the user to a live, hazardous voltage; if the grid supply cable is disconnected.<\/p>\n

More details below.
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Recent incidents have raised concerns about the safety of these Growatt devices when the backup port, often referred to as the Emergency Power Supply (EPS) port, is left exposed.<\/p>\n

Read on, and I’ll explain the potential risks.<\/p>\n

The Danger Of Sloppy Inverter Design<\/h2>\n

Battery-backed hybrid inverters<\/a> are currently very popular. These are officially known as Multiple Mode Inverters (MMIs) and are not technically a true uninterrupted power supply (UPS). However, they will generally provide enough power to keep the lights on during power outages caused by grid failures.<\/p>\n

Many series hybrid inverters have big fat plugs to connect the wiring. They’re great if you have to change a dead unit over, but many electricians will explain they’re fiddly to wire up and demand very specific cable1<\/a><\/sup> and they look like a mess when finished.<\/p>\n

So, there are two AC plugs or ports on a series hybrid. The GRID port, which, as the name suggests, interacts with the incoming mains supply, and the EPS port provides a 230 Volt AC output to supply power when there’s a grid outage.<\/p>\n

The Hazardous Scenario<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Some hybrid inverters activate the EPS port by default, making it live as soon as the device is operational. However, if you have a hybrid unit installed but are yet to buy batteries<\/a> or have the backup circuits connected, a critical oversight has been observed;<\/p>\n

Failure to fit the supplied output connector, leaving the Back Up Port terminals exposed.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The large opening in the Growatt EPS plug means an official test finger can contact the metal pin, unlike an MC4 connector for solar input<\/a>, which should ideally be blanked off as well.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n

Exposed live parts: the cardinal sin of electrical practice.<\/h3>\n

Leaving the plug off poses a serious risk of electric shock, as it allows direct contact with live parts. Electricians and Electrical Inspectors have a responsibility to ensure that all terminals of equipment comply with the safety standards outlined in AS\/NZS 3000. These standards mandate preventing access to live parts before energisation, as detailed in AS\/NZS 3000:2018 Clause 4.1.2 (c)&(d).<\/p>\n

You must not be able to stick your fingers anywhere there is a metal part which might give you an electric shock.<\/p>\n

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These plugs have a twist collar to stop them from falling out, but the rules stipulate they must be secured using a tool for access. Like the difference between a jam jar and a child proof medicine bottle.<\/p>\n

Safety Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Electricians should meticulously follow the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that all parts, covers, and connectors provided are correctly fitted, leaving no exposed live parts.<\/p>\n

And by the same token, electrical inspectors should look carefully to identify unsafe situations, and ensure they are rectified. Any electrical equipment posing an electric shock risk must not be installed or energised.<\/p>\n

Any decent electrician wouldn’t leave an inverter with the cover off and internal parts exposed, but assuming that plugs are touch proof<\/em> is where some fall down.<\/p>\n

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15 years ago, I installed these compliant touchproof Wieland plugs on solar inverters. A small screwdriver in the red window depresses the blue tang when releasing them.<\/p><\/div>\n

Complacency Is A Killer<\/h3>\n

Since inception, inverters have been supplied with AC plugs that are inherently safe. Because they’re designed to be touch-proof and only removed with a tool. As new manufacturers have entered the market they haven’t adhered to the same standards.<\/p>\n

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