Victron Isolation Transformer 2500W 115/230V

The Victron Isolation Transformer 2500W provides galvanic isolation between the shore power connection and the onboard AC system. Power is transferred magnetically from the primary to the secondary circuit without a direct electrical connection between shore ground and the vessel.

The isolation transformer thus serves two important purposes: It supports a properly installed electrical protection system and interrupts the current path created through the shore power connection, which can promote galvanic corrosion on the shaft, propeller, and other metal parts submerged in water.

Galvanic isolation for the shore power connection

If the protective conductor from shore is directly connected to the metal parts of a ship, a galvanic circuit can be formed via the conductive water. The isolation transformer electrically isolates the shore side from the ship’s electrical system. On the secondary side, a separate protective system is installed, including the ship’s grounding and a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

• Galvanic isolation: No continuous electrical connection between shore power and the vehicle's electrical system
• Corrosion Protection: interrupts the galvanic current path running through the ground connection
• 2,500 W rated power: for appropriately sized AC loads on board
• Soft Start: limits the inrush current, thereby preventing the upstream circuit breaker from tripping unnecessarily
• Temperature Protection: Temperature-controlled fan cooling and automatic shutdown in case of overheating

For boats, yachts, and workboats

The Victron isolation transformer is designed for vessels that are regularly connected to a shore power supply. This applies to both fresh and salt water, as galvanic corrosion can affect any vessel with metal parts below the waterline and is not limited to metal hulls.

Thanks to its configurable input and output voltages, the device is particularly well-suited for boats that use shore power connections in regions with varying voltage standards. Configuration is performed within the device and is not automatically detected or switched.

Four Possible Voltage Configurations

The toroidal transformer operates at a turns ratio of 1:1.05. The output voltage is increased by about five percent to compensate for typical voltage drops in shore power systems at marinas.

• 115/120V Input to 230/240V Output
• 230/240 V input to 115/120 V output

Toroidal transformer with soft start

According to Victron, the toroidal design enables quiet operation with a comparatively low weight. When the unit is turned on, the standard soft-start feature reduces the transformer’s inrush current. This prevents an upstream shore power circuit breaker from tripping solely due to this current spike.

Cooling is provided by a temperature-controlled fan, whose speed increases as the temperature rises. In the event of overheating, the isolation transformer shuts down to prevent damage.

Technical Specifications

Installation and Protective Wiring

The input must be configured for 115 or 230 V, and the output for the desired voltage. Victron requires an RCD at the output. To ensure it functions correctly, the neutral and ground conductors on the output side must be connected according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and the enclosure must be connected to the ship’s ground system.

According to the manual, the minimum cable cross-sectional area is 4 mm² for 115 V and 2.5 mm² for 230 V. The specific protective devices, cable cross-sectional areas, and installation conditions must be determined by the qualified professional performing the work in accordance with the system and applicable regulations.

What's Included

• 1 × Victron Isolation Transformer 2500W
• 1 × Mounting bracket
• 1 × long yellow-green cable with eyelets for housing grounding
• 1 × short yellow-green switch wire for the N-PE connection at the output
• 4 × black wiring leads for the voltage configuration
• 4 × mounting screws

Conclusion

The Victron Isolation Transformer 2500W is a suitable solution for professionally installed shore power systems on boats and yachts. It provides electrical isolation between the shore power supply and the onboard electrical system, helps prevent galvanic corrosion caused by shore power, and can be configured for four different voltage combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Victron Isolation Transformer 2500W

• Do I also need a galvanic isolator?

  
  

  Victron states that, thanks to its complete galvanic isolation, the isolation transformer eliminates the need for an additional galvanic isolator and a polarity alarm. This requires installation in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

• Does the device automatically switch between 115 and 230 V?

  
  

  No. The input and output voltages are configured inside the device using the included jumper wires. The configuration must be checked before commissioning. This model is No automatic option.

• Can the isolation transformer convert 240 V to 120 V or 120 V to 240 V?

  
  

  Yes. Both 230/240V to 115/120V and 115/120V to 230/240V are possible. The desired combination must be configured correctly during installation.

• Does the isolation transformer also convert 50 Hz to 60 Hz?

  
  

  No. The transformer can operate at 50 or 60 Hz, but it does not change the frequency. A 50-Hz input remains 50 Hz, and a 60-Hz input remains 60 Hz.

• Is an RCD still required at the outlet?

  
  

  Yes. Victron requires an RCD at the AC output. To ensure proper operation, the neutral conductor, protective conductor, and ship's ground must be connected according to the wiring diagram.

• What should you keep in mind when the ship is docked?

  
  

  When the ship is ashore during the winter or for maintenance work, the ship's grounding conductor must be connected directly to the shore power grounding conductor for safety reasons. The device has terminals provided for this purpose.