Disconnect Switch

A disconnect switch is a manual safety device that allows the solar system’s electrical circuits to be quickly and completely shut off. Solar installations typically require both an AC disconnect (between the inverter and the electrical panel) and a DC disconnect (between the panels and the inverter).

Disconnect switches are required by the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local building codes to ensure that utility workers, firefighters, and maintenance technicians can safely de-energize the system. The AC disconnect is usually mounted on the exterior wall near your utility meter, giving the utility company easy access to isolate your solar system from the grid. The DC disconnect is typically located near the inverter and allows the high-voltage DC current from the panels to be safely interrupted. Both switches are lockable in the “off” position for safety during maintenance or emergencies. While modern rapid shutdown systems provide additional emergency de-energization capabilities, traditional disconnect switches remain a mandatory and fundamental safety component of every solar installation.