Search
PV DC Isolator Switches for Solar Array Isolation | 16A-55A | 600V-1500V DC | TUV
Isolator Switch - PV DC Isolator
KRIPAL manufactures PV DC isolator switches in the UKP3DC series, specifically designed for photovoltaic array DC-side isolation in rooftop and ground-mount solar installations. These DC-rated rotary isolators provide a visible air-gap disconnection for safe maintenance of PV modules, inverters and DC cabling, with rated operational voltages up to 1500V DC and rated currents from 16A to 63A. The UKP3DC features a double-break contact mechanism per pole with permanent magnet arc extinguishing that ensures reliable DC load-break switching without external arc chutes, and a non-polarized design that interrupts fault current in either direction. The IP66 weatherproof polycarbonate enclosure with UV stabilization is rated for outdoor installation adjacent to the PV array, with cable glands for DC cable entry and a lockable rotary handle with clear ON-OFF position indication visible from 5 meters. An optional pre-wired MC4 connector version provides plug-and-play connection to standard PV string cables without opening the enclosure. Certified to IEC 60947-3 with DC-PV2 utilization category for photovoltaic applications, KRIPAL PV DC isolators are installed at every PV array where the wiring regulations require a means of isolating the DC source circuit from the inverter.
Get A Quote
UKPD32-EH1 PV DC Isolator Switch 32A 4 Pole 1200V DC Switch Disconnector Panel Mount
UKPD32 Series Photovoltaic DC Isolating Switch with a maximum rated voltage of DC 1200V and a rated current of up to 32A.
Ask a Quote
UKPD32- EH4 DC Isolator Switch 32A 4 Pole 1200V DC Disconnect Switch Panel Mount
UKPD32 Series Photovoltaic DC Isolating Switch with a maximum rated voltage of DC 1200V and a rated current of up to 32A.
Ask a Quote
UKPD32-SMAH1 DC Isolator Switch 4P 32A 1200V DC Solar Switch Disconnector DIN Rail Mount
UKPD32 Series Photovoltaic DC Isolating Switch with a maximum rated voltage of DC 1200V and a rated current of up to 32A.
Ask a Quote
UKPD32-E DC Isolator Switch 32A 4Pole 1200V DC PV Solar Switch Disconnector Single Hole Mounting
UKPD32 Series Photovoltaic DC Isolating Switch with a maximum rated voltage of DC 1200V and a rated current of up to 32A.
Ask a Quote
UKPD32-PFLH4 PV Solar Isolator Switch 32A 4 Pole 1200V DC Disconnect Switch IP66
UKPD32 Series Photovoltaic DC Isolating Switch with a maximum rated voltage of DC 1200V and a rated current of up to 32A.
Ask a Quote
UKPD32-VZV DC Isolator Switch 32A 4P Pole 1200V DC PV Switch Disconnector Rear Mounting
Ideal for industrial control systems, renewable energy installations etc.
Ask a Quote
UKPD32-A8 DC Isolator Switch 8P Pole 32A 1200V DC Solar Switch Disconnector Single Hole Mount
UKPD32 Series Photovoltaic DC Isolating Switch with a maximum rated voltage of DC 1200V and a rated current of up to 32A.
Ask a Quote
UKGD63 DC Isolator Switch 1500VDC for PV System Disconnection Central Inverter Protection
Compliant with international standards: GB/T 14048.3, GB/T 14048.1, IEC 60947.1, and IEC 60947.3.
Ask a Quote
UKGD63 PV Solar Isolator 8P Pole 63A 1500V DC Disconnect Switch
Compliant with international standards: GB/T 14048.3, GB/T 14048.1, IEC 60947.1, and IEC 60947.3.
Ask a QuotePV DC Isolator Selection for Solar Array Safety Compliance
A PV DC isolator is a manually operated switch installed in the DC circuit between the PV array and the inverter, providing a guaranteed air-gap isolation for safe maintenance of the array, inverter or DC cabling. IEC 60364-7-712 requires a means of isolating the PV array on the DC side, and the UKP3DC satisfies this requirement with a switch rated for the DC voltage and current of the PV array. The isolator must be rated to break the full array short-circuit current at the array’s maximum system voltage, and the UKP3DC’s DC-PV2 utilization category certifies it for this duty. The IP66 enclosure allows the isolator to be installed outdoors adjacent to the array, and the lockable handle provides the lockout-tagout facility for maintenance safety. This selection guide covers voltage rating, current rating, enclosure options and installation requirements.
UKP3DC PV DC Isolator Series Technical Specifications
DC Voltage Rating and Array Matching
The UKP3DC is rated at 250V, 500V, 750V, 1000V and 1500V DC per pole, with the total system voltage achieved by series-connecting poles. For a residential PV array with a maximum system voltage of 600V DC (Voc at minimum temperature), a 4P 250V DC isolator with all four poles series-connected provides 1000V total isolation voltage, exceeding the required rating by a 40 percent safety margin. For a 1500V DC utility-scale array, a 4P 500V DC unit or a 6P 250V DC unit is specified. The voltage rating must be at least 1.2 times the array’s maximum system voltage per IEC 62548. KRIPAL provides a voltage selection chart in the UKP3DC datasheet correlating the array’s maximum system voltage with the required isolator model and pole count.
DC-PV2 Load-Break Rating and Safety
The DC-PV2 utilization category per IEC 60947-3 certifies the UKP3DC to make and break 1.5 times the rated operational current at 1.1 times the rated operational voltage under DC conditions, representing the worst-case switching scenario where the array is operating at full irradiance and an electrician operates the isolator under load (for example, during emergency disconnection). The permanent magnet arc extinguishing system splits the DC arc in the double-break contact gap, forcing the arc voltage above the system voltage and extinguishing it within 15 milliseconds. The non-polarized design is critical for PV applications where the current direction can reverse depending on array configuration and shading conditions, and a polarized isolator installed backwards would fail to interrupt the DC arc, creating a fire hazard.
IP66 Weatherproof Enclosure and Outdoor Installation
The UKP3DC IP66 enclosure is molded from UV-stabilized polycarbonate with a hinged transparent cover that allows visual confirmation of the handle position without opening the enclosure. The enclosure is tested to IP66 per IEC 60529, meaning it is dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets from any direction, suitable for outdoor installation in all climates. Cable entry is through IP68 cable glands (M20, M25) fitted to the enclosure bottom face, maintaining the overall IP rating. The enclosure includes a condensation drain valve to release moisture that accumulates from the thermal breathing cycle. The transparent cover is lockable with a padlock, and the handle in the OFF position can also be padlocked, providing dual security for the isolator and the DC cable connections.
MC4 Connector Version for Plug-and-Play Installation
The UKP3DC-MC4 variant is supplied with pre-wired MC4-compatible connectors on the incoming and outgoing DC cables, allowing direct connection to standard PV string cables without opening the enclosure or making screw terminal connections. The MC4 connectors are crimped to 4 sq mm or 6 sq mm solar cable at the KRIPAL factory using a calibrated crimp tool with crimp force monitoring, and each connection is tested for pull-out force (minimum 310N per IEC 62852). The pre-wired MC4 version reduces on-site installation time from approximately 45 minutes (drill gland holes, strip cables, terminate screw terminals, torque, close enclosure) to under 5 minutes (plug in the MC4 connectors, mount the enclosure, commission). This plug-and-play approach also eliminates the risk of an incorrectly torqued screw terminal causing a high-resistance connection and a DC arc fault inside the isolator enclosure.
Specify PV DC Isolators for Your Solar Installation
- Isolator Sizing: Provide your PV array Voc, Isc and configuration, and we specify the correct UKP3DC model with pole count.
- MC4 Integration: Request the pre-wired MC4 version for fast on-site installation and reduced DC termination risk.
- OEM Supply: Source UKP3DC isolators in bulk with custom labeling for your PV installation or combiner box business.
Mandatory DC Isolation for Rooftop, Ground-Mount and Inverter Integration
KRIPAL UKP3DC PV DC isolators are installed at every photovoltaic array where a manual DC isolation point is required by the wiring regulations or by the site safety plan. From the rooftop isolator on a residential solar installation to the array-level isolator on a utility-scale solar farm, the UKP3DC’s IP66 enclosure, non-polarized DC switching and lockable handle provide the isolation safety required for maintenance of PV equipment and DC cabling.
Residential Rooftop PV Array Isolator
A typical UK residential PV installation with 12 modules (4 kW) uses a UKP3DC-500V 4P DC isolator mounted on the roof adjacent to the array, providing the array-level DC isolation required by BS 7671 Section 712. The electrician can isolate the array at roof level before disconnecting the DC cables at the inverter in the loft or garage, eliminating the risk of DC arc flash from a live DC cable being disconnected under load. The IP66 enclosure withstands roof-level exposure to rain, snow and direct sunlight for the 25-year design life of the PV installation. The lockable OFF position allows the electrician to apply a personal padlock before working on the inverter DC connections.
Commercial Rooftop Sub-Array Isolator
A 200 kW commercial rooftop PV system uses UKP3DC-1000V isolators at each sub-array (typically 20-30 kW per isolator), providing sub-array isolation so that one section of the roof can be de-energized for maintenance while the remaining sections continue generating. The pre-wired MC4 connector version enables rapid installation of multiple isolators across a large roof area by the PV installation crew, with each isolator simply plugged into the string cables and mounted to the roof structure. The transparent enclosure cover allows the O&M technician to visually confirm all isolators in a sub-array are OFF before beginning module cleaning or replacement work.
Utility-Scale Solar Farm Array Disconnect
A 50 MW solar farm uses UKP3DC-1500V isolators at the output of each array combiner box, providing the final DC isolation point before the DC feeder cable runs to the inverter station. In a utility-scale installation, the DC isolator serves as the lockout point for the array block during inverter maintenance, with the padlock facility used by the inverter maintenance team to lock off the DC supply before working on the inverter power modules. The non-polarized design is critical in large arrays where reverse current from adjacent healthy strings can flow through a faulted string in the reverse direction, and the isolator must interrupt current in either direction with equal reliability.
Battery Storage System DC Isolation
Residential and commercial battery storage systems (5-50 kWh) use a UKP3DC isolator as the DC disconnect between the battery rack and the hybrid inverter. The isolator provides the means of isolating the battery for maintenance or emergency disconnection required by the battery system installation standard (IEC 62485-2 for secondary lithium batteries). The DC isolator is installed adjacent to the battery rack, clearly labeled, and the lockable OFF position prevents accidental reconnection during battery module replacement. The non-polarized design handles both charge current (into the battery) and discharge current (out of the battery) with equal switching reliability.
Carport and Floating PV Array Isolation
Specialist PV installations (carports, floating solar, agrivoltaics) use UKP3DC isolators in their IP66 enclosures to withstand the specific environmental challenges: carport isolators are mounted at vehicle-impact height and require the impact-resistant polycarbonate enclosure, floating PV isolators are exposed to continuous high humidity and saline atmosphere requiring the IP66 sealing and stainless steel mounting hardware, and agrivoltaic isolators are exposed to agricultural dust and ammonia from fertilizer requiring the chemical-resistant enclosure material. The UKP3DC’s robust enclosure design, tested for these specific environmental stresses, provides reliable outdoor isolation across all PV installation types.
Specify DC Isolation for Your PV System
- Application Sizing: Our solar applications team reviews your PV array specifications and recommends the correct UKP3DC model.
- MC4 Pre-Wired Option: Reduce site labor and DC termination risk with factory pre-wired and tested MC4 isolators.
- OEM/Project Supply: Source UKP3DC isolators in bulk for your PV installation projects with project-specific documentation.
KRIPAL PV DC Isolator Manufacturing: Certified for PV Safety
KRIPAL PV DC isolators are manufactured on a dedicated production line where the DC-rated rotary switch mechanism, the IP66 UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure, and MC4-compatible cable entry options are assembled and tested. Each DC isolator undergoes DC switching test verification and dielectric withstand testing at 1500V DC for global solar PV array isolation and rooftop solar safety compliance.
DC-Rated Switching Mechanism with High Breaking Capacity
The DC isolator uses a snap-action rotary switching mechanism where contact opening speed is independent of handle speed, critical for safe DC interruption. The mechanism is tested with a DC switching test per IEC 60947-3 at the rated operational voltage (up to 1200V DC) and current. Contact gap in the OFF position is verified to exceed the minimum isolation distance for DC circuits.
UV-Stabilized IP66 Enclosure with SOLAR-Specific Sealing
Polycarbonate enclosures are injection-molded with UV stabilizer additives tested per ASTM G154 for 1000+ hours of accelerated exposure. The enclosure incorporates a breather drain to prevent internal condensation while maintaining IP66 rating. Silicone gasket seals are tested for compression set resistance after thermal aging to ensure long-term weatherproofing for 25-year solar installation life.
MC4 Connector and Cable Gland Entry Production Testing
DC isolators with pre-wired MC4 connector options undergo a pull-force test on every production batch to verify connector retention exceeds 80N. Cable gland entries are IP66 water-jet tested with the specified cable diameter range. All MC4 terminations are torque-verified during assembly to prevent hot-joint failures under sustained DC current.
1500V DC Dielectric Withstand Per Unit
Every PV DC isolator undergoes a dielectric withstand test at 1500V DC plus twice the rated operational voltage between open contacts and between all poles. The test voltage is applied for 60 seconds. Leakage current is monitored and recorded, with any unit exceeding the specified threshold rejected before shipment.
Distributor Stock Holding Programs for PV DC Isolators
KRIPAL supports distributor inventory programs with agreed stock levels for standard PV DC isolator models from 2-pole to 4-pole configurations with common voltage and current ratings. Pre-wired MC4 variants are stocked for rapid fulfillment to solar installation companies.
Private Label and OEM Branding for PV DC Isolators
Custom enclosure labeling with OEM branding, laser-marked part numbers, and project-specific documentation packages including individual test reports are available. Unbranded supply is provided upon request for private label production.
Multi-Region Certification and Compliance Support
CE, UKCA, and IEC 60947-3 with DC supplement compliance documentation is provided according to target export markets. AS/NZS 5033 compliance documentation is available for Australian PV installation requirements.
Direct Technical Access to KRIPAL Solar Products Engineers
Your technical team communicates with the engineers who designed and tested your PV DC isolators. Application questions including string voltage calculation, temperature de-rating, and RSD (Rapid Shutdown) compatibility receive answers within 24 hours during China business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore FAQ >A DC isolator provides the mandatory visible disconnection point between the PV array and inverter, required by IEC 60364-7-712. It allows safe maintenance and emergency isolation of DC cabling.
2-pole for 250-600V DC, 4-pole for 600-1000V DC, 8-pole for 1000-1500V DC. Poles are series-connected to divide the DC voltage across multiple contact gaps.
Yes, the rotary handle accepts up to 3 padlocks in the OFF position, compliant with Lockout/Tagout safety procedures for PV maintenance.
Direct from Manufacturer
How Can We Assist You?
Tell us a bit more so we can route your request to the right engineer. Get factory-direct pricing and custom specifications within 24 hours.
