The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) recently issued an advisory encouraging safer electric vehicle (EV) charger installations, supporting the National Construction Code’s push for EV-ready homes and buildings. While EVs generally pose a lower fire risk than traditional vehicles, their batteries and charging equipment still require special attention to ensure electrical safety.
One important feature that plays a key role — but is often overlooked — is the isolation switch.
Isolation switches allow safe, quick disconnection of power to the EV charger in an emergency or during maintenance, providing an essential layer of protection for users, technicians, and property.
With EV ownership soaring in Australia, building robust, compliant infrastructure is more important than ever. In this blog, we’ll explain why isolation switches are vital for domestic EV charger installations and how they help ensure a safer, more reliable charging setup at home.
What Are Isolation Switches and How Do They Work?
An isolation switch (or isolator) is a safety device that lets you manually disconnect an EV charger from the electrical supply without shutting down the entire house. Their primary function is to ensure safe disconnection during maintenance or emergencies by isolating the electrical circuit from its power source.
An isolation switch typically consists of a durable casing, conductive contacts, and a mechanism for manual or automatic operation.
The isolation switch is typically installed near the charger, clearly visible and easy to operate.
When turned off, it cuts the power to the charger completely — ensuring no live electrical current is present during servicing, emergencies, or faults.
Isolation switches are a simple but critical way to comply with Australian safety standards and protect both people and property.
Why Isolation Switches Are Essential for EV Chargers
Electrical Safety for Users and Technicians
Isolation switches protect anyone working on or around the charger by allowing the EV charger to be safely de-energised before maintenance, inspections, or repairs. This reduces the risk of electric shock, burns, or serious injury during fault conditions or servicing work.
For electricians, a reliable isolation point is an important part of creating a safe working environment.
Emergency Preparedness
If there’s a fault — such as a damaged charger, exposed wiring, or overheating — the isolation switch provides an immediate, simple way to shut off power to the EV charger, without needing to access the main switchboard.
This ability to quickly disconnect power helps prevent escalation of electrical hazards and supports safer emergency responses.
Simplified Maintenance and Servicing
During regular maintenance, inspections, or if the charger needs upgrading or replacing, the isolation switch makes the job far easier.
It allows safe disconnection of the charger without disrupting other parts of the home's electrical system.
Are Isolation Switches Required to Be Installed?
Under the AS/NZS 3000:2018 standard, there is no mandatory requirement for isolation switches to be installed adjacent to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). Whether one is required depends on the specifics of the installation — especially how far the charger is from the switchboard and whether the main protective device (such as an RCBO) is within sight and reach.
For instance, in a home garage, if the household switchboard is just a few meters away from the EV charger and clearly visible, the upstream RCBO (Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent Protection) can often act as the point of isolation. But in commercial settings, where the power supply is typically located much farther from the EV charger, installing an isolation switch nearby is often the safer and more practical option. This is similar to how isolation switches are installed near air conditioning compressors for safety and convenience.
In addition, AS/NZS 4417.2 mandates that EV chargers for residential use must meet the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM) standards, ensuring adherence to safety and quality regulations specific to Australia.
While the current standards don’t enforce isolation switches for every setup, the next revision of AS/NZS 3000 is expected to provide clearer guidance. In the meantime, discussing your specific requirements with a licensed electrician is the best way to ensure your EV charging system is both compliant and safe.
To learn more, check out the EVSE Installation Guideline.
How Kenner Electrics Can Help
Kenner Electrics is a leading provider of electrical solutions in Australia, offering expert installation of isolation switches and EV charging systems. Our team of fully licensed professionals ensures compliance with Australian safety standards, delivering safe and reliable services for both residential and commercial clients.
By partnering with Kenner Electrics, you gain access to expert advice, high-quality equipment, and exceptional service. Protect your EV charger, vehicle, and property with tailored solutions installed by licensed electricians who understand Australian standards.
Contact Kenner Electrics today for professional installation and peace of mind.
Stay Safe and Powered with the Right Solution
Isolation switches are a small but crucial part of creating a safe, reliable EV charging setup at home. They offer important protection during emergencies, simplify maintenance, and provide peace of mind that your charging system is up to the highest safety standards.
Investing in the right isolation switch and professional installation ensures compliance with Australian standards and reduces risks associated with substandard systems. Proactive measures like these not only enhance the safety of your EV charger but also prevent costly repairs or disruptions.
Don’t compromise on safety or performance—take the necessary steps to secure your EV charging setup today. Reach out to Kenner Electrics for expert advice, high-quality installations, and trusted solutions tailored to your needs. With Kenner Electrics, you can enjoy a safer, more reliable charging experience.
