What to Do if You Suspect a Serious Malfunction

What to Do if You Suspect a Serious Malfunction

If any GivEnergy equipment appears to be malfunctioning in a severe or dangerous way — including smoke, burning smells, unusual heat, or visible fire — it is critical to prioritise personal safety. This guide explains what to do immediately, what not to do, and who to contact next.

Recognising a Serious Electrical Fault

You may be experiencing a critical equipment fault if you notice:

  • Smoke coming from an inverter, battery, cable, or accessory
  • A strong burning plastic or chemical smell
  • Sparking, popping sounds, or arcing
  • Excessive heat from any electrical enclosure
  • Discolouration or melting of plastic components
  • Visible flames or charring

Immediate Safety Steps

Your safety is the top priority. Do not attempt to investigate or repair the equipment.

1. Move away from the equipment

  • Keep a safe distance — at least several metres
  • Warn others to stay clear

2. Shut off power only if it is safe to do so

If you can reach isolators without risk:

  • Switch off the AC isolator feeding the inverter
  • Switch off the DC/battery isolator (if accessible)
  • Turn off relevant breakers in the consumer unit

If heat, smoke, or flames are present near isolation switches, do not approach them.

3. Evacuate if necessary

  • If smoke fills the area, leave immediately
  • Close doors behind you to slow spread

4. If a fire has started, call emergency services

  • Dial your local emergency number immediately
  • Do not attempt to extinguish an electrical fire unless trained and using the appropriate extinguisher

What Not to Do

  • Do not touch the equipment
  • Do not open covers or attempt to inspect wiring
  • Do not pour water on the equipment or nearby electrical components
  • Do not continue to operate the system once a burning smell or smoke has been detected

After the Emergency is Under Control

Once the area is safe and the equipment has been powered down or attended by emergency services, you should:

  • Contact your installer immediately
  • Do not re-energise the system
  • Do not attempt repairs or modifications
  • Take photos of any visible damage from a safe distance

Who to Contact

Your Installer

Your first point of contact should always be the installer who fitted the system. They will assess the installation, wiring, environment, and any system faults that may have contributed.

GivEnergy Support

Once the installer has been informed, you may also contact GivEnergy Support for technical assessment, warranty review, and next steps.

Summary

  • Safety first — move away from the equipment
  • Isolate power only if it is safe
  • Evacuate if smoke or fire is present
  • Call emergency services for any sign of fire
  • Contact your installer and GivEnergy Support before restarting the system

Electrical faults involving smoke, burning smells, or fire are rare but must be handled with extreme caution. Following the steps above ensures your safety while enabling trained professionals to diagnose and resolve the issue safely.


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