Galvanic Isolator buzzing frequently but intermittently?

[s/v Jedi]

Failing Galvanic Isolators leading to dangerous situations and not protecting against any safety hazards at all is just typical for it. Method of correction: into the dumpster with it and install a proper isolation transformer. It will protect against all the hazards for the boat AND her crew. When installed correctly, that is.

Aboard Jedi it was installed incorrectly by the yard as it was original equipment: if you have one and never checked if it is actually isolating then now is the time to do that

[Andina Marie]

If you can afford an isolation transformer and can handle the size and weight, it is far superior than using a Galvanic Isolator. On the other hand, Galvanic Isolators are extremely reliable. We have been selling them for about 15 years now with about 15,000 out in the field, all on unconditional warranty. To date we have not had a single return under warranty.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Andina Marie

If you can afford an isolation transformer and can handle the size and weight, it is far superior than using a Galvanic Isolator. On the other hand, Galvanic Isolators are extremely reliable. We have been selling them for about 15 years now with about 15,000 out in the field, all on unconditional warranty. To date we have not had a single return under warranty.

That is one of the problems with the things: when they fail they just die without anybody noticing it until it's too late. I believe they later required an alarm to sound upon failure but not everywhere and especially not with these DIY projects hinted at in this thread. They play games with the lives of their crews.

[Boulter]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

install a proper isolation transformer.

I am confused as to what is a proper isolation transformer. The Charles Industries 93-IXFMR3/6T-A is described on the defender site as "The only true marine isolation transformer available." Then there is the (I believe) older made for years model referenced in some of my books 93-ISOG2/6-A at about $300 less.

I wonder what is the difference and issue?

Boulter

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Boulter

I am confused as to what is a proper isolation transformer. The Charles Industries 93-IXFMR3/6T-A is described on the defender site as "The only true marine isolation transformer available." Then there is the (I believe) older made for years model referenced in some of my books 93-ISOG2/6-A at about $300 less.

I wonder what is the difference and issue?

Boulter

Those are okay but pretty old tech I believe. Compare weight and power ratings. Also, check if it can do 110-220V conversion.

I still find the Victron 3.6kW isolation transformer the best one out there; smaller and lighter than most; only the switching types are lighter but those are much more prone to problems.

[Lancerbye]

A Galvanic Isolator is not an electrical safety device. It is in place to prevent a dc current from being established through your ground wire in the shore power cable. There should be no current flowing through it, none, nada. It is in series with the ground which is a safety device. If the 30 amp diodes used in them were to go open you would end up with a floating ground. In itself not a hazard unless someone reverses the hot and neutral somewhere in the system. If you have a lot of ac current flowing through your ground wire don't stick your feet in the water.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Andina Marie

If you can afford an isolation transformer and can handle the size and weight, it is far superior than using a Galvanic Isolator. On the other hand, Galvanic Isolators are extremely reliable. We have been selling them for about 15 years now with about 15,000 out in the field, all on unconditional warranty. To date we have not had a single return under warranty.

Over the years I have come across a number of failed GI's, mostly older ones... The reality is the owners have/had no clue they were not working. Heck I'd bet 98% of the boat owners out there would not know how to test if one was even working or not...