Galvanic isolator system

bobre · **Joined:** Sun Oct 14, 2012 9:44 pm **Posts:** 27

I have a 2008 -318 Vista, Does anyone have any information on the galvanic isolator system? At the cabin breaker panel, neither the green or red lights are illuminated for this system and I can not find any info in the owners manual. Curious on what, and where the components for this system are and how it works.

Bobre

jnizi · **Posted:** Sun Apr 07, 2013 11:01 pm

Take a look at this posting

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=9481&hilit=galvanic

This may have your answers.

jfair · **Posted:** Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:31 am

A galvanic isolator is a passive device which protects the vessel from stray currents while it is plugged in to shore power. It has no function unless you are connected to 110v/240v shore power. It is usually found behind the AC panel for shore power, somewhere between the shore power connector on the outside of the hull and the boat AC panel.

Try these links for an explanation.

http://www.marinco.com/productline/galvanic-isolators

http://www.marinco.com/files/support/pr ... 531011.pdf

The wiring diagram shows the AC line and AC neutral from shore power running directly to the boat AC panel, bypassing the galvanic isolator. The galvanic isolator, in normal operation, interrupts the shore ground and the boat ground. If fault occurs, the boat is grounded to the shore connection and safety switches are activated. A 12 volt line between the galvanic isolator and the boat AC panel operate the warning lights indicating reverse polarity, etc.

I made a simplified sketch at http://www.amnet.net.au/~jfair/galvanic1.jpg and found a proper wiring diagram at http://www.amnet.net.au/~jfair/galvanic2.jpg

Check that the warning lights are not burnt out.

John

bobre · **Joined:** Sun Oct 14, 2012 9:44 pm **Posts:** 27

Thanks guys, I did find out that the indicator lights only work when the panel lights are switched on. It seems to be working correctly.

jnizi · **Posted:** Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:48 am

Good to hear. They do seem tricky and the manual provides little information.

jfair · **Posted:** Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:24 am

According to my boat and the manual, if the red light is on continuously a fault internal to the galvanic isolator has occurred.
A flashing red light can be a fault but also indicates that the shore power is disconnected.
An indication that the shore power is off can be handy while tied up at the dock but mine tells me that we are disconnected when we are offshore miles beyond the reach of the shore power cable. This occasionally alarms a "crew member" some of whom panic at the sight of a red flashing light. This has come up previously on the forum.

www.iFourWinns.com

Galvanic isolator system

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