Description

Victron Isolation Transformer 2000W 115/230V

Indispensable in professional marine energy systems. It prevents electrolytic corrosion and above all serves as a device to guarantee a safe electric system. Toroidal wound technology for quietness and high efficiency. Soft start circuitry will ensure that the shore circuit breaker will not trip when plugged in.

The installation of an Isolation Transformer is a critical measure for enhancing safety and preventing galvanic corrosion on boats connected to AC shore power. This device ensures there is no electrical continuity between the shore power system and the boat, which is pivotal for both safety and the integrity of the boat’s metallic components.

Key Points on Safety and Galvanic Corrosion Prevention:

• Elimination of Electrical Continuity: The Isolation Transformer disconnects the boat’s electrical system from the shore’s, removing the risk of galvanic corrosion and enhancing safety by eliminating the need for galvanic isolators and polarity alarms.
• Conventional Safety Measures Inadequate on Boats: In standard on-shore installations, safety mechanisms like fuses and Ground Fault Current Interrupters (GFCIs) protect against short circuits and current leaks. However, directly connecting a boat to shore-side ground can lead to galvanic corrosion, undermining these safety measures.
• Understanding Galvanic Corrosion: This type of corrosion occurs when dissimilar metals in contact with each other are exposed to an electrically conductive fluid like seawater, causing the more active metal to corrode. It can affect all boats, not just those with metal or aluminum hulls, as soon as any metallic part (such as the shaft and propeller) contacts water.
• Risks of Ground Conductor Disconnection: While disconnecting the ground conductor might seem like a solution to avoid galvanic corrosion, it poses significant safety risks as it renders GFCIs ineffective and prevents fuses from blowing in the event of a short circuit.
• Benefits of an Isolation Transformer: By installing an Isolation Transformer, boats can safely connect to shore-side power. The transformer feeds shore power to its primary side and connects the boat to its secondary side, isolating the boat from shore ground. This setup ensures that GFCIs can operate correctly, and fuses will blow in case of a short circuit, significantly enhancing safety.
• Soft Start Feature: Victron Energy isolation transformers come equipped with a soft start feature, which prevents the shore power fuse from blowing due to the transformer’s inrush current, ensuring a smoother and safer power transition.
• Secondary Neutral Ground Connection: For optimal safety, especially when the boat is out of the water, it is recommended to ground the secondary neutral of the transformer. This precaution further ensures the safety of the boat’s electrical system.

In summary, the Isolation Transformer not only plays a crucial role in safeguarding against electrical hazards but also effectively counters the destructive effects of galvanic corrosion, making it an essential component for boats connected to shore power.

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