Victron Isolation Transformer 4500W 115/230V

The Victron Isolation Transformer 4500W electrically isolates a boat's AC system from the shore power supply. Energy is transferred magnetically from the primary to the secondary side without establishing a continuous electrical connection between shore ground and the boat's ground.

In this way, the isolating transformer supports a properly installed electrical protection system and, at the same time, interrupts the current path created by the shore power connection, which can cause galvanic corrosion on the shaft, propeller, and other metal parts submerged in water.

Galvanic isolation for high-power shore power systems

With a rated power of 4,500 W The isolation transformer is suitable for appropriately sized electrical systems on boats, yachts, and workboats. When selecting a model, in addition to the total power rating, the permissible output currents of 38 A in the 115-V configuration and 19 A in the 230-V configuration must also be taken into account.

• Complete galvanic isolation between the shore power supply and the vehicle's electrical system
• Protection against galvanic corrosion caused by shore power on the ship's metal parts
• 4,500 W rated power 38 A at 115 V or 19 A at 230 V
• Soft Start to limit the inrush current
• Temperature-Controlled Fan Cooling with automatic shut-off in case of overheating
• Toroidal transformer for quiet operation with a relatively low weight

Protection Against Galvanic Corrosion

If the protective conductor of the shore power connection is connected directly to the metal parts of a ship, a galvanic circuit can form through the conductive water. This can cause sacrificial anodes to corrode more quickly and attack the hull, propeller, or other metal parts.

The isolating transformer isolates the shore grounding from the ship's ground system. On the output side, a separate protection system is set up, including ship grounding and a residual current circuit breaker. Galvanic corrosion can occur in both saltwater and freshwater and affects not only ships with metal hulls.

Four configurable voltage combinations

The Victron Isolation Transformer can be adapted to 115- or 230-volt shore power systems. The output can also be configured for the required onboard electrical system.

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

The 1:1.05 gear ratio increases the output voltage by about five percent. This compensates for voltage drops that can occur with shore power supplies at marinas.

Soft Start and Temperature Protection

When turned on, transformers can draw a high inrush current for a short time. The built-in soft-start feature limits this current spike, thereby preventing the upstream circuit breaker from tripping solely due to the inrush current.

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

Technical Specifications

Installation and Protective Wiring

According to Victron, a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) must be installed at the AC output of the isolation transformer. To ensure it functions properly, the output neutral conductor must be connected to the output ground conductor and the ship’s ground. The aluminum housing is connected to the vessel’s ground via the provided M6 connection.

Victron specifies a minimum cable cross-section of 6 mm² at 115 V and 4 mm² at 230 V. The final sizing of the cables and protective devices must be appropriate for the system, the installation method, and the applicable regulations.

What's Included

• 1 × Victron Isolation Transformer 4500W
• 1 × Mounting bracket
• 1 × short yellow-green switch wire for the N-PE connection at the output
• 1 × long yellow-green switching wire for connecting the input and output ground terminals on a ship while ashore
• 1 × long yellow-green cable with eyelets for housing grounding
• 4 × black wiring leads for the voltage configuration
• 7 × mounting screws

Conclusion

The Victron Isolation Transformer 4500W is suitable for professional shore power systems on boats and yachts that require galvanic isolation with up to 4500 W. It combines corrosion protection, flexible voltage configuration, soft start, and thermal protection in a rugged IP21 aluminum housing.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Victron 4500W Isolation Transformer

• Does the isolation transformer automatically switch between 115 and 230 V?

  
  

  No. For part number ITR040452042, the input voltage is configured manually during installation. The separate model ITR050452042 is designed for automatic input detection.

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

  
  

  Yes. The unit supports 230/240 V to 115/120 V and 115/120 V to 230/240 V. The required combination must be configured correctly before commissioning.

• Does the device also convert 50 Hz to 60 Hz?

  
  

  No. The isolation transformer can operate at 50 or 60 Hz, but it does not change the frequency.

• Do I also need a galvanic isolator?

  
  

  Victron states that full galvanic isolation eliminates the need for an additional galvanic isolator and a polarity alarm. This requires that the isolating transformer be installed properly.

• Is a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) required at the outlet?

  
  

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

• How does the 4500W model differ from the car version?

  
  

  Both models offer 4,500 W, galvanic isolation, and soft start. The auto version automatically detects the input voltage. For the ITR040452042 described here, the input is manually configured for 115 or 230 V.