Isolation Transformer: Victron vs Mastervolt vs Charles

[DotDun]

Originally Posted by Palarran

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I've got a question about isolation transformers. Do they take 220v 50hz European power where it is one leg at 220 and the other at 0 and convert them to 240v 50hz where both legs are 120v?
Thanks.

Yes, some models can create (2) 110v split-phase legs from (1) 220v input. As others have stated, you'll still be at 50hz, so make sure your appliances will operate at that frequency.

[Palarran]

Split-phase - thanks I didn't know the term for it. I'll look at the manufacturers and see what they offer. All my equipment is rated for 50hz except maybe my inverter/charger. Thanks for the info.

[Palarran]

I just talked to a technician with Charles and it looks like this is what I need.
Marine: C-Power Iso Guard Isolation Transformers

He did say that in some areas I may need a soft start device to prevent the shore side breaker from tripping.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by kellyp08

Palarran

I just got back from the Med and used a Victron 3.6W for conversion of 220VAC (50hz) to 110VAC (50hz). There's no easy way to convert 50hz to 60hz ( one could use the shore power to run a 220V 50hz European electric motor to power a 60hz American alternator/generator that then supplies 110/120 VAC 60Hz power to run your US 60Hz appliances: compressor motors for refer and airconditioning, etc. This sounds good but I never encountered anyone who actually did this.).

However, the AC and Refrig motors WILL run for a while on 110VAC 50Hz. They are just a bit noisy, get hot and may trip the breaker. As time went on, I found myself using my trusty old 12.5 KW Westerbeke generator to charge batteries and cool down the refer/freezer.

Err , what about a charger inverter ?

Dave

[goboatingnow]

32A from a EU 230v dock ?? You'll be tying up at some expensive marinas to get that. Most will be 480 V three phase for that


Dave

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Palarran

I just talked to a technician with Charles and it looks like this is what I need.
Marine: C-Power Iso Guard Isolation Transformers

He did say that in some areas I may need a soft start device to prevent the shore side breaker from tripping.

I would advice against that choice. Buy the Victron 3.6kW isolation transformer plus their auto-transformer and you get exactly what you want incl. all the soft starts needed etc.

I have this setup and described it here on CF incl. pictures etc. A forum sreach should come up with it.

[pbiJim]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

I would advice against that choice. Buy the Victron 3.6kW isolation transformer plus their auto-transformer and you get exactly what you want incl. all the soft starts needed etc.

I have this setup and described it here on CF incl. pictures etc. A forum sreach should come up with it.

Can you post a link to this please? I didn't find it. I would like to know more about the soft starts that this system provides.

Thanks,
Jim

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by pbiJim

Can you post a link to this please? I didn't find it. I would like to know more about the soft starts that this system provides.

Thanks,
Jim

Found it:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tem-29667.html

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Found it:
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tem-29667.html

Soft start is done with relays and included with the Victron transformer.

[DotDun]

It looks like Mastervolt has a unit that will do what you want also:

IVET-D 16A 3.5kW multi tap | Mastervolt Marine

I have no experience with this unit, just reading the specs.

[Palarran]

Dave, I have a large inverter/charger now. They don't change voltage that I know of. I have a 2300 watt 220v 50 hz inverter now but it is single phase, not split phase. So I'd have to rewire or create some type of switching to go from the inverter to generator. Also, it isn't large enough to run my a/c. The 32 amps is at 110v. So if you wire it 220v on the primary side it draw 16 amps max and will produce either 32 amps at 110 or 16 amps 220. The difference on the secondary side is it has two 110v lines and are split-phase.

Jedi,
I checked the Victron and can't verify that the secondary side is split-phase. Do you know for sure? It seems by reading that it can be either, but not both at the same time. I've attached a wiring diagram of the transformer. It seems very simple as there are zero electronics to it. All I would need to do is attach my current shore power cable to the secondary side and the shore power cord on the primary.

[Palarran]

Thanks for the info Dot Dun and Jedi. I'll start reading. It looks like Nick has a lot of info to sort through.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Palarran

Thanks for the info Dot Dun and Jedi. I'll start reading. It looks like Nick has a lot of info to sort through.

Don't miss the auto-transformer part; it is what takes a floating 230-240V source like you can get from the isolation transformer and then creates a new neutral for the 120-0-120 split phase setup. The nice thing is that the auto transformer is relatively small and light because it only has to deal with the inbalance between the two phases.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Don't miss the auto-transformer part; it is what takes a floating 230-240V source like you can get from the isolation transformer and then creates a new neutral for the 120-0-120 split phase setup. The nice thing is that the auto transformer is relatively small and light because it only has to deal with the inbalance between the two phases.

I understand that but why not use a split winding on the isolation transformer and generate split phase directly ( silly system anyway , derived from Edison's DC system )

Dave

[Palarran]

Nick,
That is a lot of information. Great installation. I'm not clear what "floating" voltage is.

We have quite a few 240v mechanicals, 2 water heaters, 1 80 amp charger, Sea Frost refrigeration, 3 A/C's and laundry set-up. But I'm rather easy and only really need to run one or two at the same time. So if I can run my a/c and the charger, I can make ice and enjoy it in a cool cabin .

My situation is that we won't be at docks much and the ones we are at most likely won't have power. You know how Greece is. I'd only be able to use the system about 10 days per year x 2 or 3 years. Spending a fortune on a system isn't an option. That is why on an initial review, I like the Charles unit. They cost $640 and I could bring it with me next year. It would be easy to install also.

What is the reason for not recommending this option?