Victron Isolation Transformer, 3600W, automatic input 115 / 230 V

The isolation transformer provides complete electrical isolation between the AC shore power connection and the boat's electrical system. This enhances safety, eliminates the need for a galvanic isolator, and prevents alarms triggered by incorrect polarity.

Safety on shore is ensured with proper installation. In case of a short circuit, the fuse will blow or the circuit will be disconnected by the residual current device (RCD) when current leakage is detected. Direct connection of the shore power ground conductor to metal parts of the boat leads to electrogalvanic corrosion. Bringing the phase and neutral conductors without galvanic isolation to the boat creates a potentially dangerous situation – the RCD may not respond and the fuse may not interrupt the circuit in case of a short circuit to metal parts of the boat.

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different, conductively connected metals are exposed to an electrically conductive liquid – typically seawater, but also to a lesser extent freshwater. Generally, the less noble (more active) metal corrodes faster than the more noble metal, which is cathodically protected. The rate of galvanic corrosion depends on several factors, such as the type of environment, liquid conductivity, temperature, and properties of the materials used.

It is a mistake to assume that galvanic corrosion only occurs on metal and aluminum hulled boats. It occurs on virtually any boat – it is sufficient for metal parts, such as the shaft or propeller, to be submerged in water. After connecting the boat to shore power, galvanic corrosion quickly begins to decompose the anode and subsequently attack other metal components in contact with water.
This situation sometimes tempts people to omit the ground conductor – however, this is extremely dangerous because the RCD will not function and in case of a short circuit on metal parts of the boat, the fuse will not blow.

The best solution to prevent galvanic corrosion while ensuring electrical safety is to install an isolation transformer between the shore power connection and the boat's electrical installation.

Soft start is a standard feature of the isolation transformer. It prevents the shore power fuse from blowing, which could occur due to inrush current when connecting the transformer.

This model is equipped with automatic voltage switching between 115 V and 230 V, making it an ideal solution for systems in boats, RVs, or locations with variable input voltage.

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS

Power: 3600 W
Transformer type: toroidal (low noise, low weight)
Input voltage: 115 / 230 V (automatic switching)
Output voltage: 115 / 230 V
Rated current: 32 / 16 A
Soft start: yes
Input switch: yes
Protection rating: IP21
Weight: 24 kg
Dimensions: 362 × 258 × 218 mm