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Victron Energy Isolation Transformers

Victron Energy Isolation Transformers provide a crucial safety feature for boats by completely isolating the AC shore power supply from the boat's electrical system. This isolation prevents galvanic corrosion and ensures safety in case of short circuits.

Safety and Prevention of Galvanic Corrosion

Connecting the boat's ground wire directly to the shore power supply can lead to galvanic corrosion, a process where dissimilar metals in contact with an electrically conductive fluid (like seawater) corrode. This can damage the boat's metal parts, including shafts and propellers, and quickly consume sacrificial anodes.

While not connecting the ground wire might seem like a solution, it is extremely dangerous as it disables safety features like GFCI (Ground Fault Current Interrupter) protection and fuses, leaving the boat vulnerable in case of a short circuit.

The Victron Energy Isolation Transformer offers the best solution by eliminating electrical continuity between the shore power and the boat. The shore power connects to the primary side, and the boat is connected to the secondary side. This completely isolates the boat from the shore ground. By connecting all metal parts on the boat to the neutral output of the secondary side, safety devices like GFCIs and fuses will function correctly in the event of a short circuit.

Soft start is a standard feature that prevents the shore power fuse from blowing due to the transformer's inrush current.

For optimal safety, it is recommended to connect the secondary neutral of the transformer to ground when the boat is out of the water.

Product Overview and Specifications

Victron Energy offers several models of Isolation Transformers, including the 2000W, 2500W, 3600W Auto, and 7000W models. These transformers are built with toroidal cores for low noise and low weight, and housed in durable aluminum enclosures with IP 21 protection.

The 3600 Watt Auto model automatically switches between 115 V and 230 V input voltage, providing flexibility for different power sources.

Product2000 Watt2500 Watt3600 Watt3600 Watt Auto7000 Watt
Product numberITR040252042ITR040362042ITR050362042ITR000702002
Input115/120 or 230/240 V115/120 or 230/240 V115/120 or 230/240 VAutomatic 115/120 or 230/240 V switching230/240 V
Output115/120 or 230/240 V115/120 or 230/240 V115/120 or 230/240 V115/120 or 230/240 V230/240 V
Frequency50/60 Hz50/60 Hz50/60 Hz50/60 Hz50/60 Hz
Rating17/8.5 A22/11 A32/16 A32/16 A32 A
Soft startYesYesYesYesYes
Transformer typeToroidal (low noise, low weight)
Input circuit breakerENCLOSURE
MaterialAluminium (blue RAL 5012)
Protection categoryIP 21
Weight12.7 kg22.2 kg22.2 kg27.5 kg
Dimensions (h x w x d) mm375 x 214 x 135446 x 214 x 135362 x 258 x 221362 x 258 x 221362 x 258 x 243
StandardsEN 60076

Note on 3600 Watt Auto: This model can be used as:

Diagrams

Diagram 1: Shore ground connected to immersed metals of the boat causes electrolytic corrosion.

This diagram illustrates a standard AC distribution from a 230 Vac shore connection. The PE (Protective Earth) wire from the shore is connected to the boat's AC distribution panel and subsequently to the metal parts of the boat. This direct connection facilitates galvanic corrosion when these metal parts are immersed in water.