Isolation Transformer 3600W 115/230V

Isolating transformers

Indispensable in professional maritime energy systems. They prevent electrolytic corrosion and are primarily used as devices to ensure a safe electrical system. Toroidally wound technology for low-noise operation with high efficiency. A soft-start circuit ensures that the shore circuit breaker is not tripped when connected.

Galvanic isolator

A cost-effective solution to prevent galvanic corrosion that can occur on boats with an electrical power supply.

Models: 2000VA / 3600VA / 7000VA

Safety and prevention of galvanic corrosion

An isolating transformer achieves complete galvanic isolation between the ship and the shore network. It increases safety, eliminates the need for galvanic isolators and prevents polarity problems.

Safety is taken for granted in shore power networks. In the event of a short circuit or an earthing fault, a fuse blows or a residual current circuit breaker (RCCB) disconnects the circuit. The connection of the earth wire of the shore connection to the metal parts of the ship leads to galvanic corrosion, as described below. If the earth conductor is omitted and only the phase and the neutral conductor are routed on board, all the fuses on board mentioned above are ineffective and there is no longer any short-circuit protection.

Gal vanic corrosion always occurs when two different metals that are electrically conductively connected to each other are immersed in a conductive liquid (an electrolyte) such as z.B. seawater or contaminated fresh water. In principle, the more galvanically active metal (the less noble) will corrode, while the more noble is cathodically protected. The corrosion rate depends u.a. on the type of metals involved, the size of the surfaces involved or the water temperature.

It is a mistake to assume that galvanic corrosion can only occur on aluminium or steel ships. In reality, it affects all vessels as soon as metal parts such as z.B. the propeller and shaft, or metal hull penetrations come into contact with water, and the vessel is earthed via the shore connection. It may be tempting to dispense with the protective conductor when connecting to shore: however, this is extremely dangerous for people on board, as the protective devices will then no longer respond (s.o.).

The best solution for preventing galvanic corrosion while maintaining all safety aspects is to install an isolating transformer. This ensures complete galvanic isolation from the shore power supply. The shore power is connected to the primary winding and the on-board power supply to the secondary winding. The transformation ratio is of course 1:1. All fuse systems of the on-board power supply work separately and independently of the shore power.

Soft start function or an inrush current limiter is a matter of course with the Victron isolating transformer so that problems with high inrush currents are avoided.

It is recommended that the earthing of the secondary winding is also connected during storage on land (z.B. in winter storage) to ensure maximum safety even then.

3600 Watt Auto 115/230 V

This model automatically switches to a 115 V or 230 V supply depending on the input voltage.
88 V - 130 V supply: switches to 115 V supply
Supply 185 - 250 V: switches to 230 V supply range.
Note: The AC input voltage is increased at the AC output in a ratio of 1:1.05