Investigation into the risk of fires within household PV systems. Focused on the risk posed by DC isolators in PV systems installed before 2021.

DC Isolators have been a topical point within the AS5033 standard, with them being mandated in 2012, and then removed as a requirement in 2021. This change in regulation reflects the risk posed by DC Isolators in environmentally exposed rooftop locations. There remains a residual risk to all household PV systems with DC Isolators installed on their roofs. This thesis aims at quantifying this risk, and posing a solution through arc fault detection processes to provide early detection for households. With the goal being to reduce the risk of fire and damage, faced by those household who have a PV system installed within the 2012-2021 period.