The Story
The Europa Solar Guardian PVADD04X is a 4-pole, 2-string PV Automatic Disconnect Device designed to protect rooftop solar installations during emergencies, grid failures, and fire events. Rated to 1500 Vdc with a switch interrupt rating of 38 A and a continuous string capacity of 55 A, this device monitors the building's 230 Vac supply and automatically isolates both DC strings from the array the moment grid power is interrupted. Supplied in a robust IP66-rated enclosure with a built-in thermal shut-down sensor, waterproof vent valve, and slide-out surface-mounting plates, the Solar Guardian gives first responders, installers, and building owners a certified rapid-shutdown solution that is TUV, CE, CB and SAA approved.
The Solar Guardian monitors the 230 Vac mains supply to trigger automatic DC isolation. The AC supply connection must always be made before commissioning the DC side. Failure to connect the AC control circuit will prevent automatic disconnection in an emergency. Installation must comply with BS 7671 (18th Edition) and any relevant local wiring regulations. All connections must be checked for correct tightness before energisation. Do not use power tools on these products.
The PVADD04X is rated for systems with a maximum string voltage of 1500 Vdc and a continuous string current up to 55 A per string. Verify that the combined short-circuit current (Isc) of your array does not exceed 55 A per string. The switch interrupt rating is 38 A at PV1 duty; for higher fault currents, consult Europa's technical team before specifying. Operating environment must remain between −20°C and +50°C — do not install in locations subject to sustained temperatures above this range without supplementary thermal management.
The PVADD04X sits within Europa's complete Solar Guardian family, scaling from 2-pole / 1-string (PVADD02X) up to 10-pole / 5-string (PVADD10X). All share the same proven automatic-disconnect circuit, certifications, and enclosure platform — making it straightforward to specify the correct device for any residential or commercial array size.
The device continuously monitors the 230 Vac mains supply. When grid power is interrupted — whether by firefighters cutting the main switch or an unplanned blackout — the Solar Guardian automatically opens the DC contacts, de-energising the roof array and all descending DC cables. This removes the live-voltage hazard that otherwise persists on PV wiring even after AC isolation.
With a string voltage range of 300–1500 Vdc, the Solar Guardian is fully compatible with today's high-efficiency monocrystalline and bifacial modules that operate at elevated string voltages. The PV1-category isolator and its TUV-certified DC switching mechanism are engineered to safely interrupt high-voltage DC arcs that would otherwise sustain in conventional AC-rated switchgear.
An integrated temperature sensor monitors internal enclosure temperature and triggers automatic system shutdown if 70°C is reached. This protects against runaway heating from sustained fault currents or direct solar gain on the enclosure body — a critical safeguard in south-facing roof-mounted installations where enclosure temperatures can climb significantly above ambient.
The IP66-rated enclosure provides complete protection against powerful water jets and dust ingress, making it suitable for direct external mounting. A waterproof vent valve allows the enclosure to breathe — equalising pressure with ambient air — without admitting moisture. This prevents damaging condensation on internal electronics and contacts during temperature cycling in outdoor installations.
The integral isolation switch carries TUV, CE, CB and SAA certification, confirming compliance with international safety standards. TUV approval in particular provides independent verification of the DC switching performance — essential for PV systems where inferior DC switchgear can fail to extinguish arcs at high voltage. CE marking confirms conformity with applicable European directives for the UK and EU markets.
Concealed slide-out mounting plates on both sides of the back lid allow rapid, tool-free positioning against any flat surface before fixing. No specialist brackets or separate back-boxes are required. This means a single installer can locate, mark, drill and secure the unit quickly, reducing installation time and ensuring a neat, professional finish on external walls or roof-level structures.
Technical Specification
| Identification | |
| Part Number (MPN) | PVADD04X |
| Description | Solar Guardian PV Automatic Disconnect Device — 4 Pole, 2 Strings |
| EAN | 5056551235304 |
| ETIM Class | EC001056 |
| DC Electrical Ratings | |
| String Voltage Range | 300–1500 Vdc |
| Max Circuit Voltage | 1500 Vdc |
| Switch Interrupt Rating | 38 A (PV1 duty) |
| Max Continuous String Current | 55 A per string |
| Number of Strings / Poles | 2 strings / 4 poles |
| AC Control Supply | |
| Working Voltage Range | 100–270 Vac |
| Rated Voltage | 230 Vac |
| Rated Current | 30 mA |
| Starting / Loading Current | 100 mA (average) |
| Max Action Current | 300 mA |
| Environmental & Mechanical | |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +50°C |
| Thermal Auto-Shutdown Threshold | +70°C (internal enclosure) |
| Storage Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Protection Rating | IP66 |
| Overvoltage Protection Category | Category II |
| Mechanical Life (no-load) | 10,000 cycles |
| On-Load Operations (PV1) | 1,500 cycles |
| Certifications | |
| Isolation Switch Approvals | TUV, CE, CB, SAA |
| Suitable Applications | Residential, commercial and industrial PV systems |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Solar Guardian PVADD04X automatically disconnect the PV array?
What is the difference between the 38 A and 55 A current figures?
What triggers the thermal auto-shutdown, and does the system restart automatically?
Why is the waterproof vent valve important in an outdoor installation?
Which other Solar Guardian models are available if my system has more or fewer strings?
| MPN | Poles | Strings |
|---|---|---|
| PVADD02X | 2 | 1 |
| PVADD04X | 4 | 2 — this product |
| PVADD06X | 6 | 3 |
| PVADD08X | 8 | 4 |
| PVADD10X | 10 | 5 |
All variants share the same 1500 Vdc, IP66, and TUV/CE/CB/SAA specification. The 1- and 2-string models use a smaller enclosure footprint than the 3–5-string variants.
Does the Solar Guardian replace the need for a separate DC isolator at the inverter?
Details & Craftsmanship
Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.
Description
The Europa Solar Guardian PVADD04X is a 4-pole, 2-string PV Automatic Disconnect Device designed to protect rooftop solar installations during emergencies, grid failures, and fire events. Rated to 1500 Vdc with a switch interrupt rating of 38 A and a continuous string capacity of 55 A, this device monitors the building's 230 Vac supply and automatically isolates both DC strings from the array the moment grid power is interrupted. Supplied in a robust IP66-rated enclosure with a built-in thermal shut-down sensor, waterproof vent valve, and slide-out surface-mounting plates, the Solar Guardian gives first responders, installers, and building owners a certified rapid-shutdown solution that is TUV, CE, CB and SAA approved.
The Solar Guardian monitors the 230 Vac mains supply to trigger automatic DC isolation. The AC supply connection must always be made before commissioning the DC side. Failure to connect the AC control circuit will prevent automatic disconnection in an emergency. Installation must comply with BS 7671 (18th Edition) and any relevant local wiring regulations. All connections must be checked for correct tightness before energisation. Do not use power tools on these products.
The PVADD04X is rated for systems with a maximum string voltage of 1500 Vdc and a continuous string current up to 55 A per string. Verify that the combined short-circuit current (Isc) of your array does not exceed 55 A per string. The switch interrupt rating is 38 A at PV1 duty; for higher fault currents, consult Europa's technical team before specifying. Operating environment must remain between −20°C and +50°C — do not install in locations subject to sustained temperatures above this range without supplementary thermal management.
The PVADD04X sits within Europa's complete Solar Guardian family, scaling from 2-pole / 1-string (PVADD02X) up to 10-pole / 5-string (PVADD10X). All share the same proven automatic-disconnect circuit, certifications, and enclosure platform — making it straightforward to specify the correct device for any residential or commercial array size.
The device continuously monitors the 230 Vac mains supply. When grid power is interrupted — whether by firefighters cutting the main switch or an unplanned blackout — the Solar Guardian automatically opens the DC contacts, de-energising the roof array and all descending DC cables. This removes the live-voltage hazard that otherwise persists on PV wiring even after AC isolation.
With a string voltage range of 300–1500 Vdc, the Solar Guardian is fully compatible with today's high-efficiency monocrystalline and bifacial modules that operate at elevated string voltages. The PV1-category isolator and its TUV-certified DC switching mechanism are engineered to safely interrupt high-voltage DC arcs that would otherwise sustain in conventional AC-rated switchgear.
An integrated temperature sensor monitors internal enclosure temperature and triggers automatic system shutdown if 70°C is reached. This protects against runaway heating from sustained fault currents or direct solar gain on the enclosure body — a critical safeguard in south-facing roof-mounted installations where enclosure temperatures can climb significantly above ambient.
The IP66-rated enclosure provides complete protection against powerful water jets and dust ingress, making it suitable for direct external mounting. A waterproof vent valve allows the enclosure to breathe — equalising pressure with ambient air — without admitting moisture. This prevents damaging condensation on internal electronics and contacts during temperature cycling in outdoor installations.
The integral isolation switch carries TUV, CE, CB and SAA certification, confirming compliance with international safety standards. TUV approval in particular provides independent verification of the DC switching performance — essential for PV systems where inferior DC switchgear can fail to extinguish arcs at high voltage. CE marking confirms conformity with applicable European directives for the UK and EU markets.
Concealed slide-out mounting plates on both sides of the back lid allow rapid, tool-free positioning against any flat surface before fixing. No specialist brackets or separate back-boxes are required. This means a single installer can locate, mark, drill and secure the unit quickly, reducing installation time and ensuring a neat, professional finish on external walls or roof-level structures.
Technical Specification
| Identification | |
| Part Number (MPN) | PVADD04X |
| Description | Solar Guardian PV Automatic Disconnect Device — 4 Pole, 2 Strings |
| EAN | 5056551235304 |
| ETIM Class | EC001056 |
| DC Electrical Ratings | |
| String Voltage Range | 300–1500 Vdc |
| Max Circuit Voltage | 1500 Vdc |
| Switch Interrupt Rating | 38 A (PV1 duty) |
| Max Continuous String Current | 55 A per string |
| Number of Strings / Poles | 2 strings / 4 poles |
| AC Control Supply | |
| Working Voltage Range | 100–270 Vac |
| Rated Voltage | 230 Vac |
| Rated Current | 30 mA |
| Starting / Loading Current | 100 mA (average) |
| Max Action Current | 300 mA |
| Environmental & Mechanical | |
| Operating Temperature | −20°C to +50°C |
| Thermal Auto-Shutdown Threshold | +70°C (internal enclosure) |
| Storage Temperature | −40°C to +85°C |
| Protection Rating | IP66 |
| Overvoltage Protection Category | Category II |
| Mechanical Life (no-load) | 10,000 cycles |
| On-Load Operations (PV1) | 1,500 cycles |
| Certifications | |
| Isolation Switch Approvals | TUV, CE, CB, SAA |
| Suitable Applications | Residential, commercial and industrial PV systems |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Solar Guardian PVADD04X automatically disconnect the PV array?
What is the difference between the 38 A and 55 A current figures?
What triggers the thermal auto-shutdown, and does the system restart automatically?
Why is the waterproof vent valve important in an outdoor installation?
Which other Solar Guardian models are available if my system has more or fewer strings?
| MPN | Poles | Strings |
|---|---|---|
| PVADD02X | 2 | 1 |
| PVADD04X | 4 | 2 — this product |
| PVADD06X | 6 | 3 |
| PVADD08X | 8 | 4 |
| PVADD10X | 10 | 5 |
All variants share the same 1500 Vdc, IP66, and TUV/CE/CB/SAA specification. The 1- and 2-string models use a smaller enclosure footprint than the 3–5-string variants.
