Isolation Transformer - Keep or sell?

[poiu]

I have a 30A Mastervolt IVET C 7.5KVA IT in my boat. The unit was disconnected about 5 years ago by the last owner and in my 3 year ownership it has remained unconnected. I think it was disconnected because peak dock loads go over the 30A and until all the talk here about ITs I had just forgotten about it.

I understand its advantages in providing the best safety protection and in the prevention of electrolytic corrosion.

It would be nice to remove the box. I could use the space and save a little weight. I could fit soft starts to reduce the peak loads and make it work, but I am not sure it is needed.

I have RCDs at the power distribution in the boat at the main panel. I also have it at the dock usually. (It's more than I have in my old house where there are no RCDs). Is this not enough to ensure an adequate degree of safety?

There has been no electrolytic corrosion in the boat and I could minimise the risk of this further by disconnecting shore power when away and using just solar for battery charge. Am I underestimating this risk?

[xymotic]

If you have a metal boat, you absolutely should keep it.

Otherwise you could sent it to me

[poiu]

Originally Posted by xymotic

If you have a metal boat, you absolutely should keep it.

Otherwise you could sent it to me

It's a plastic boat.

[Wench'sCaptain]

Originally Posted by xymotic

If you have a metal boat, you absolutely should keep it.

Otherwise you could sent it to me

You can send it to me I'll pay shipping.

I would hook it up if I were you.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Wench'sCaptain

I would hook it up if I were you.

+1 (but I'll take off you hands if you don't want it)

[poiu]

Originally Posted by Wench'sCaptain

You can send it to me I'll pay shipping.

I would hook it up if I were you.

Can you expand on why you advise that?

Thanks.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by poiu

Can you expand on why you advise that?

Thanks.

You mentioned that you have no evidence of galvanic corrosion, are you sure the IT is completely bypassed? Or is it still half-installed with the shore power ground disconnected from the boat? If that were the case, you have a dangerous situation. It might be worth checking out.

The value of ITs have been discussed extensively on CF, you have to decide if you want those features.

[poiu]

Originally Posted by DotDun

You mentioned that you have no evidence of galvanic corrosion, are you sure the IT is completely bypassed? Or is it still half-installed with the shore power ground disconnected from the boat? If that were the case, you have a dangerous situation. It might be worth checking out.

The value of ITs have been discussed extensively on CF, you have to decide if you want those features.

Yes, the IT is completely disconnected, with no wires in or out. The boat is connected with the boat earth connected to shore earth. Shore power is fed straight to RCDs then to distribution.

I have read the other threads on ITs Including the current active thread on earth wires connections and didn't find the answer to my specific questions, hence this post.

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by poiu

I have read the other threads on ITs Including the current active thread on earth wires connections and didn't find the answer to my specific questions, hence this post.

You state in your first post:

I understand its advantages in providing the best safety protection and in the prevention of electrolytic corrosion.

There is general consensus in the marine industry that an IT has value on a boat, only you can determine that for your boat.

All that can be added to that is an IT disconnects your boat from a metallic connection to shore and replaces it with a magnetic connection. Since you already understand the benefits of this feature, it's up to you whether that has enough value for you.

[Wench'sCaptain]

Originally Posted by poiu

Can you expand on why you advise that?

Thanks.

I think other that know more than I have already responded. IMHO the IT is the safest Device for shore power..period. Not to mention corrosion prevention.

I'll still pay shipping..