![]() The ProSafe FS Series is UL Certified to meet the parameters of the ABYC A-28 recommendation. This technology maintains AC safety ground and solves the most common forms of corrosion and premature zinc loss within a boats bonding system. The ProSafe Fail-Safe 30 Galvanic Isolator will interrupt galvanic current flow with other boats at a marina when installed on a boat which is connected to AC Shore Power. ![]() The boat’s power supply then gets connected to the output of the transformer.ProMariner 22034 ProSafe Fail-Safe FS30 Galvanic Isolator By doing this, you essentially create your own onboard power source. This forces any AC power to go through the transformer first. Cut the shore power input line and connect it to the transformer. However, when it comes to isolation transformers, you’ll want a very secure place to mount them near your shore power input line because of the relative weight.ĭisconnect from shore power and generator before doing any wiring, of course. How Are Isolation Transformer Wired?īoth isolation transformers and galvanic isolators are always installed on the AC side of your boat’s electrical system. They are not cheap-some of the lightest (20 pounds) are also the most expensive ($2,000+) but they are a compact solution to preventing current flow problems for boats in wet slips for extended periods. Some of these models, both lighter and less expensive, are now on the market. Recent changes to ABYC E-11 AC and DC Electrical Systems for Boats now permit the use of high frequency transformers allowing designers to build smaller transformers for pleasure craft. Traditional isolation transformers also take a good bit of space that may be hard to come by in smaller boat bilge or engine compartments.Īnd last but not least, they are relatively expensive, priced at $2,000 to $4,000, more for larger units suitable for larger yachts.Īlso, these traditional transformers are not that versatile and often require complicated switching arrangements or rewiring to allow them to perform multiple tasks like boosting voltages or converting voltages from different countries. (Most boats under 25’ are trailered rather than docked in a wet slip, so the devices make less sense for them.) While the weight would not be an issue at all on a yacht, it might be on a 25’ to 35’ weekender. The classic 120V/30A transformers weigh in close to 100 pounds, while typical 240V/50A unit scaled almost 300 pounds. So, why don’t all well-equipped boats come with an isolation transformer as standard equipment?įirst, the traditional models are both expensive and heavy. If you connect to a dock where the hot and neutral wires are reversed, the transformer will convert it to safe AC power aboard.ĭock power flowing through an isolation transformer depends on induction to get to your onboard equipment, with no hard wire connection. Reverse polarity, possible due to inexpert wiring of the dock power, is eliminated because the transformer is self-polarizing. They also protect reversed polarity and shore voltage fluctuations which can damage or reset sensitive electronics. They also prevent your boat from sending an unintended electric shock into the water around it and vice versa. Some isolation transformers can also be used for raising the shore voltage to deal with voltage drop, keeping all your electrically-powered equipment aboard running as it should. They provide isolation from shore power systems to enhance electrical safety and eliminate corrosion caused by stray currents. Isolation transformers are insurance against these issues. ![]() Even a bad wiring system on a boat docked next to you can create problematic or perhaps dangerous electric current in the water around your boat. (Fleming Yachts)īad or deteriorated marina wiring can cause everything from extreme corrosion on any exposed metal parts on your running gear and thru-hull fittings to electric shocks in the water and possibly inside the boat. A calm harbor looks welcoming, but without an isolation transformer on your boat, leaking electric current in the water or issues with the shore power could cause issues aboard.
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