Best Location for a Galvanic Isolator

[rkrafter]

I recently purchased a galvanic isolator and need recommendations for placement. I think it should as close as possible to the shore power connector. What do you think?

Thanks

Rich

[CharlieJ]

That is the best place for it, then you won't accidentally bypass it.

Charlie

[Ike]

That is where it is supposed to be.

[captainbirdseye]

Close to the shorepower connection is best, its better to mount it more in the open than to mount it in a tiny cubby hole, as those baby's tend to get hot when your shore power is running at full load.

If mounting directly to the hull, it is best to add rubber or gasket between as a spacer.

[Ike]

The galvanic isolator is supposed to be inserted in the green wire (the grounding safety wire) as near to the shore power inlet as possible. It's purpose is to block stray DC currents that would cause stray current corrosion (your outdrive disappears) but still allow AC to pass. The green wire is there to pass AC to ground ashore ONLY if there is a ground fault in the AC electrical system. Under normal conditions there should never be any AC current in the green wire! If your galvanic isolator is getting hot then I would start checking things because there is probably AC in the green wire. If the green wire weren't there and there is a fault in the system then the current still tries to go back to ground but it does it through the water which in fresh water is deadly. See Electro shock Drowning Electric Shock Drowning Prevention » Lucas N. Ritz

[CharlieJ]

Close to the shorepower connection is best, its better to mount it more in the open than to mount it in a tiny cubby hole, as those baby's tend to get hot when your shore power is running at full load.

As above, if the GI is hot, that vessel has a SERIOUS electrical safety problem that requires immediate investigation and correction.

If mounting directly to the hull, it is best to add rubber or gasket between as a spacer.

Absolutely no requirement to take this action.

Charlie