Victron Isolation Transformer Auto 3600W 115/230V (IP 41)

Victron Isolation Transformer Auto 3600W 115/230V (IP 41)

The isolation transformer Victron Isolation Transformer Auto 3600W 115/230V (IP 41), designed to disconnect boats from the alternating current shore electricity, feautures an electric power of 3600W, waterproof (potted) protection  IP 41 and automatic switching of 115 or 230 V power depending on the input voltage: with 88 V – 130 V power it switches to 115 V and with 185 – 250 V power it switches to 230 V (AC input voltage increases according to a ratio of 1:1.05 on the AC output).

The Victron Isolation Transformer Auto 3600W 115/230V (IP 41) is essential for safety and takes the place of galvanic isolators and polarity detectors.

In the event of a short circuit or current leakage to ground, a fuse will blow or a GFCI (Ground Fault Current Interrupter) will trip. Galvanic corrosion will occur if the ground wire of the shore-side supply is connected to the metal sections of the boat (see below). Bringing only the live and neutral wires on board creates a dangerous scenario since GFCIs will not operate and a fuse will not blow in the event of a short circuit to a metal item on the boat.

Galvanic corrosion happens when two dissimilar metals in electrical contact are exposed to an electrically conducting fluid at the same time. Such fluids include seawater and, to a lesser extent, fresh water. In general, the couple's more active alloy corrodes preferentially, while the less active (more noble) material is cathodically protected. The rate of galvanic corrosion is affected by a variety of factors such as area ratios, fluid conductivity, temperature, material type, and so on.

It is a common misconception that galvanic corrosion only occurs in metal and aluminum hulls. In reality, it may happen on any boat whenever a metallic item, such as a propeller or shaft comes into touch with water. As soon as the boat is linked to the shore-side supply, galvanic corrosion will dissolve your sacrificial anodes and attack the shaft, propeller, and other metal parts in contact with water. It may be tempting not to connect the ground wire; however, this is exceedingly dangerous since GFCIs will not operate and fuses will not explode in the event of a short circuit to a metal element on the boat.

Installing a Isolation Transformer such as the Auto 3600W 115/230V to connect to the shore-side supply is the best way to minimize galvanic corrosion while also preventing any harmful situations.

The Isolation Transformer Victron Auto 3600W 115/230V cuts off all electrical connections between shore power and the boat. The shore power is routed into the transformer's primary side, while the ship is linked to the secondary. The Isolation Transformer entirely separates the boat from the shore. In the event of a short circuit, connecting all metal items to the neutral output on the secondary side of the transformer will cause a GFCI to trip or a fuse to burst.

Victron Energy isolation transformers comes with soft start included. It will prevent the shore power fuse from blowing due to the transformer's inrush current, which would otherwise occur. It is also highly recommended, for safety and security purposes, to connect the transformer's secondary neutral to ground while the boat is onshore.

Specifications

Product Warranty

Standard warranty of 5 years, extendable to 10 years with an additional 10% of the initial investment. Contact us for more information.