- Association of Electrical Contractors Ireland
- Association of Electrical Contractors Ireland
In a recent interview with RTE News journalist Colman O’Sullivan, Darren Kinsella, President of the Association of Electrical Contractors in Ireland (AECI), highlighted the critical importance of safety standards for homeowners installing solar panels and batteries. The discussion focused on the use of changeover switches to allow homes to operate on solar and battery power during a mains electricity outage.
Mr. Kinsella’s comments come amid a surge in consumer interest in energy independence and resilience, driven by rising energy costs and concerns about potential power cuts. While the ability to power a home during an outage is a key selling point for solar and battery systems, the AECI President stressed that this capability must be installed in strict compliance with safety protocols to prevent serious hazards.
“When the main electricity grid goes down, all solar systems are legally required to shut off automatically to prevent electricity from flowing back out onto the network,” explained Kinsella. “This is a non-negotiable safety measure to protect ESB Networks crews who may be working to repair the lines. A changeover switch is designed to safely disconnect the home from the grid, creating an ‘island’ that allows the solar and battery system to power the house without any risk of back-feeding.”
The interview emphasized that not all systems or installers are equipped to handle this critical component. The AECI is advocating for increased public awareness and adherence to the IS 10101 standards, which are the national rules for electrical installations in Ireland. According to Kinsella, these standards provide a clear and robust framework for the safe installation of changeover switches, ensuring the safety of both homeowners and utility workers.
“We urge all homeowners to use a certified, professional electrical contractor for their solar and battery installations,” Kinsella advised. “Ensuring the correct changeover switch is installed and wired to the IS 10101 standard is not an optional extra—it’s a fundamental requirement for safety.”
The AECI’s message underscores the need for a national commitment to quality and safety as Ireland’s new energy landscape continues to evolve.
