Isolator Switch Price in Pakistan 2026 — AC, DC, Solar Buyer Guide
An isolator switch is what an electrician installs when they want to be absolutely, positively, 100% sure that the equipment downstream is electrically dead before working on it. Pakistani electrical code mandates an isolator on every motor, every inverter input, every DB-box feed, and every solar string. Skip the isolator and you skip the part of the install that keeps workers alive when something goes wrong.
This guide covers isolator switch prices in Pakistan for 2026, AC vs DC isolators, the difference between an isolator and a circuit breaker, sizing for solar arrays, and the DIN-rail vs panel-mounted variants that match Pakistani consumer-unit standards.
1. What is an isolator switch?
An isolator (also called a disconnect switch) is a manually-operated switch designed to fully break a circuit so downstream equipment can be safely serviced. Unlike a circuit breaker, an isolator does not automatically trip on fault — it is operated only by hand, only when load is off.
Two main jobs:
- Isolation for maintenance: physically separates equipment from the supply so a technician can work without risk of electrocution
- Visible break: the isolator's open position is visible from outside the panel, providing immediate confirmation that power is off
2. Isolator vs circuit breaker — not the same thing
| Isolator | Circuit breaker | |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic fault tripping | No | Yes |
| Manual operation | Yes — off-load only | Yes (rare) |
| Used for | Maintenance isolation | Overload + short-circuit protection |
| Position visible from outside | Yes (visible break) | Lever position only |
| Can interrupt fault current? | No | Yes |
| Lockable in OFF | Yes — standard feature | Some models only |
You install BOTH: a circuit breaker for fault protection, and an isolator immediately upstream so a technician can lock out the equipment to work on it.
3. Isolator switch price in Pakistan 2026 — full table
Prices from cncelectric.pk, June 2026 valid.
| Model | Type | Amperage | Poles | Voltage | Price PKR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YIS-AC-32-2P | AC isolator DIN-rail | 32A | 2-pole | 440V | 950 |
| YIS-AC-63-2P | AC isolator DIN-rail | 63A | 2-pole | 440V | 1,250 |
| YIS-AC-100-2P | AC isolator DIN-rail | 100A | 2-pole | 440V | 1,950 |
| YIS-AC-63-4P | AC isolator DIN-rail | 63A | 4-pole | 440V | 2,450 |
| YIS-AC-100-4P | AC isolator DIN-rail | 100A | 4-pole | 440V | 3,850 |
| YIS-AC-200-4P | AC isolator panel-mount | 200A | 4-pole | 440V | 9,800 |
| YIS-AC-400-4P | AC isolator panel-mount | 400A | 4-pole | 440V | 22,500 |
| YIS-DC-32-2P | DC isolator DIN-rail | 32A | 2-pole | 500V DC | 1,850 |
| YIS-DC-63-2P | DC isolator DIN-rail | 63A | 2-pole | 500V DC | 2,450 |
| YIS-DC-32-2P-1000V | DC isolator DIN-rail HV | 32A | 2-pole | 1000V DC | 3,400 |
| YIS-DC-63-4P-1500V | DC isolator industrial | 63A | 4-pole | 1500V DC | 8,500 |
| YIS-AC-63-WP | Weatherproof IP66 | 63A | 3-pole | 440V | 5,400 |
4. AC isolator vs DC isolator — the solar prosumer distinction
An AC isolator switches AC voltage (zero-crossing twice per cycle helps extinguish arcs). A DC isolator must break a continuous DC arc, which is harder — DC arcs sustain themselves longer.
- AC isolator: used on grid-side feeds, motor circuits, AC inverter outputs. Cheaper.
- DC isolator: used on solar PV string inputs, battery banks. Required between the PV array and the inverter under NEPRA 2026 rules.
Critical rule: never substitute an AC isolator for a DC isolator on a solar string. The DC arc will not extinguish properly and the isolator can burn out, fuse closed, or start a fire.
5. Sizing isolators for a Pakistani solar installation
NEPRA 2026 requires the following isolation points on a typical grid-tied solar system:
| Location | Type | Sizing rule |
|---|---|---|
| PV array to inverter | DC isolator | 1.25 × Isc(panel) × number of strings; voltage ≥ Voc × 1.25 |
| Battery to inverter | DC isolator | 1.25 × battery max current; voltage ≥ battery voltage × 1.5 |
| Inverter AC output | AC isolator | 1.25 × inverter rated output current |
| Inverter AC input from grid | AC isolator | Match upstream MCB rating |
| Tubewell motor | AC isolator | 1.25 × motor FLC |
Worked example: 5 kW residential solar
15 panels in 3 strings of 5. Panel Isc = 11 A, Voc = 40 V. String current = 11 A × 1.25 = 14 A → pick 16 A DC isolator. String voltage = 5 × 40 × 1.25 = 250 V → pick 500 V rated DC isolator. Use the YIS-DC-32-2P at PKR 1,850.
6. Installation
- Mount on DIN rail (DB-box models) or directly on wall (panel-mount/weatherproof).
- Wire upstream supply to terminal IN (top); downstream load to terminal OUT (bottom).
- Verify rotary/lever can be locked in the OFF position with a padlock — required by PEC code for industrial installations.
- Label clearly with what it isolates (e.g. "ISOLATOR FOR INVERTER INPUT").
- Confirm voltage on load side reads zero before allowing maintenance work.
7. CNC vs Schneider vs Eaton — honest comparison
| CNC YIS | Schneider iSW | Eaton CMD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63A AC 2P (PKR) | 1,250 | 4,800 | 3,950 |
| 63A DC 2P 500V (PKR) | 2,450 | 9,800 | 7,500 |
| 1000V DC variant available? | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| 1500V DC variant available? | Yes | Limited (project quote) | No |
| Lockable OFF | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IEC certification | 60947-3 | 60947-3 | 60947-3 |
| Warranty Pakistan | 5 years | 2 years | 1 year |
8. FAQ
Cheapest isolator in Pakistan 2026?
CNC YIS-AC-32-2P at PKR 950, 32A 2-pole AC, IEC 60947-3.
Do I need an isolator if I already have a circuit breaker?
Yes — PEC code requires isolation upstream of motors, inverters, and DB-box feeds. The breaker protects against faults; the isolator allows safe maintenance.
Can I use an AC isolator on a DC solar string?
No. AC isolators can't extinguish DC arcs reliably. Always use a DC-rated isolator on PV strings.
What does "lockable in OFF" mean?
The OFF position can be physically locked with a padlock so it cannot be turned back ON while maintenance is happening. PEC requires this for industrial isolations.
Are CNC isolators IP65 / IP66 rated?
DIN-rail variants are IP20 (indoor only). Panel-mount and weatherproof variants are IP65 or IP66 — required for outdoor solar combiner enclosures.
9. Need help sizing isolators for your project?
Send your installation details (PV array specs, battery voltage, motor rating, etc.) on WhatsApp to +92 326 1111 376. We'll size every isolation point and quote the full set. Free Pakistan delivery on orders over PKR 5,000.