But they have misidentified the source because it occurred only when the shorepower cable was connected. I have encountered many people who will argue strongly that corrosion can be caused by “hot marinas,” that is, faulty dockside AC electrical systems. A boat owner intentionally broke the connection between the bonding and ground circuits. Where the galvanic isolator attempts to block DC current from coming aboard, like the walls around a medieval fortress, the isolation transformer severs this connection altogether, much like digging a moat around the same fort, filling it with water and crocodiles, and pulling up the drawbridge.
More often than not, the most necessary consumer of shorepower is the battery charger. With the installation of the isolation transformer, all onboard bonding, DC grounds, and AC safety grounds remain unchanged, provided they previously met the ABYC standards mentioned at the beginning of this article. Yes, it would, and this can be accomplished by using a device known as a galvanic isolator. Ventex Technology VT 9030-120 - Indoor Neon Transformer - Generation III - 100 to 9,000 Volt (peak to peak) - 30 mA - 120 Volt Input - Pull Chain Switch by Ventex Technology $129.99 $ 129 . To understand the importance of this connection, consider the scenario in which a fault is created when a hot wire comes into contact with a grounded wire—usually by accident, for example, when a hot wire gets crushed between a metal tank and a support beam. This effectively nullifies the corrosion firewall effect of the galvanic isolator. In many instances, boatbuilders, repair yards, or owners will obtain these common domestic appliances for installation aboard a vessel. Marine Stabilization, Boost and Isolation Transformers. A galvanic electrical isolation between shore power and the on board power prevents any electrical corrosion of metal parts while keeping you earthed. A safe connection between vessel and shore installation is an essential part of your electrical system. But one reason in particular stands out: A bonded boat is less likely to electrocute one of its crew. Hubbell Marine Isolation Transformers, Available with or without Auto-Boost, Available in 15 kVA and 25 kVA models, White Powder Coated Steel Housing and #316 Stainless Steel Compare View Details Additionally, an isolation transformer has to be properly ventilated. Charles Marine Isolation Xfmr, 12 KVA, 50 Amp, 240 VAC Brand: Charles. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. This belief is usually based on a “corrosive” experience they’ve had while visiting a marina, which was, in all likelihood, caused by common DC galvanic or stray-current corrosion. Although this does occur, it’s not terribly common. However, the prudent cruiser must be aware of its limitations. Aboard a properly wired vessel, if an energized AC wire—often called “hot” and typically black or red—comes in contact with one of these bonded masses, a tank or a rudder post, for instance, the electricity is safely discharged to ground and will, in theory, trip the circuit breaker as well. Isolation Transformers.
Charles 50 Amp Iso-Boost Boosting Isolation Transformer (11-26067) 0.00 stars, based on 0 reviews Easy to install and use, operational status is indicated by four lights on the unit, and low-voltage bypass switch provides simple positive user control. Here’s how it works. 15 kVA 6. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. But disconnecting this wire will do nothing to mitigate the effects of these types of corrosion if they originate on board. A safe connection between vessel and shore installation is an essential part of your electrical system. Yacht Boost - AB 25kVA. As is the case for the galvanic isolator, one transformer is required for each shorepower inlet. Our Price: US$1,999.00 . This grounding circuit is separate from the green AC safety ground circuit, but as we will see later, it is important that these two circuits be connected. This means meeting the American Boat & Yacht Council’s specifications as described in its Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft, Chapters E-2, E-4, and E-11: “Cathodic Protection,” “Lightning Protection,” and “AC & DC Electrical Systems on Boats,” respectively. Because fresh water is less conductive than salt water, current takes a more direct path through fresh water.
Compliance with independent testing lab requirements maximize safety. Typically, galvanic corrosion is a relatively slow process, causing cumulative damage over the course of months, if not years. Galvanic current flows from one boat to the other. Galvanic corrosion and stray-current corrosion are both strictly DC phenomena. Please make sure that you are posting in the form of a question.