Victron Energy Isolation Transformers
Enhancing Marine Safety and Preventing Galvanic Corrosion
Introduction
Victron Energy Isolation Transformers are crucial for ensuring safety and preventing galvanic corrosion on boats connected to AC shore power. They eliminate direct electrical continuity between the shore power and the boat's electrical system, offering a superior safety solution compared to traditional galvanic isolators and polarity alarms.
Safety and Prevention of Galvanic Corrosion
Connecting the ground wire of the shore-side supply to the metal parts of a boat can lead to galvanic corrosion, where dissimilar metals in contact with an electrically conducting fluid (like seawater) corrode. This process can damage shafts, propellers, and other metal components. While not connecting the ground wire might seem like a solution, it creates an unsafe situation as safety devices like GFCI outlets or fuses will not function in case of a short circuit.
The Isolation Transformer provides the best solution by completely isolating the boat from the shore ground. The shore power is connected to the transformer's primary side, and the boat's electrical system is connected to the secondary side. By connecting all metal parts of the boat to the neutral output on the secondary side, safety devices like GFCIs and fuses will correctly operate in the event of a short circuit.
Soft start is a standard feature, preventing 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 not in the water.
Product Models and Specifications
| Feature | 2000 Watt | 3600 Watt | 3600 Watt Auto 115/230 V | 7000 Watt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage | 115 or 230 V | 115 or 230 V | 115 or 230 V | 230 V |
| Output Voltage | 115 or 230 V | 115 or 230 V | Automatic 115/230 V switching | 230 V |
| Frequency | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz | 50/60 Hz |
| Rating | 17/8.5 A | 17/8.5 A | 32/16 A | 32 A |
| Soft start | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transformer type | Toroidal (low noise, low weight) | Toroidal (low noise, low weight) | Toroidal (low noise, low weight) | Toroidal (low noise, low weight) |
| Input circuit breaker | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 10 Kg | 23 Kg | 24 Kg | 31 Kg |
| Dimensions (h x w x d), mm | 375 x 214 x 135 | 362 x 258 x 218 | 362 x 258 x 218 | 362 x 258 x 218 |
| Protection category | IP 21 | IP 21 | IP 21 | IP 21 |
| Material | Aluminium (blue RAL 5012) | Aluminium (blue RAL 5012) | Aluminium (blue RAL 5012) | Aluminium (blue RAL 5012) |
3600 Watt Auto 115/230 V Specifics:
This model automatically switches between 115 V and 230 V supply based on the input voltage:
- Supply 88 V-130 V: switches to 115 V supply
- Supply 185-250 V: switches to 230 V supply
Note: The AC input voltage is raised by a 1:1.05 ratio at the AC output.
Common Characteristics:
Standards: EN 60076
Usage Scenarios for 3600 Watt Auto:
- 115 V to 115 V isolation transformer
- 115 V to 230 V isolation transformer
- 230 V to 230 V isolation transformer
- 230 V to 115 V isolation transformer
Diagrams
Diagram 1: Galvanic Corrosion Scenario
Illustrates a boat connected to shore power where the shore ground is connected to immersed metals. This connection leads to electrolytic corrosion. The diagram shows AC distribution with L, N, and PE lines from the shore, connected to the boat's AC distribution. The PE line is shown connected to the hull, leading to a curved arrow indicating corrosion.
Diagram 2: Isolation Transformer Solution
Shows a boat connected to shore power via an Isolation Transformer. The shore ground is isolated from the boat's ground. The diagram depicts AC distribution from the shore connected to the primary side of the isolation transformer. The secondary side powers the boat's AC distribution (L, N), with the boat's ground (PE) connected to the secondary neutral. An RCD is shown in the circuit for safety.
Contact Information
Victron Energy B.V. | De Paal 35 | 1351 JG Almere | The Netherlands
General phone: +31 (0)36 535 97 00 | E-mail: sales@victronenergy.com
Website: www.victronenergy.com
