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Do I need a Galvanic Isolator?

Yes, if you use shorepower to provide a mains supply to your boat.

The latest CE and BMEA Regulations clearly state that AC Earths from Shorepower must be bonded to your Anode. As other Boats in the same vicinity as yours have the same bonding system, the Shorepower Earth Wire is potentially connecting the underwater metal parts from each Boat together. The water between the Vessels acts as an Electrolyte forming an Electrical Cell, which is similar to a low power battery. This will cause metals with a low galvanic number to transfer to metals with a higher galvanic number, which means that Electroplating will occur. This will damage and weaken the metal structure of your Boat.

What does a Galvanic Isolator do?

The Galvanic Isolator is fitted in the AC incoming Earth Lead interrupting any galvanic circuit and is bonded at the same point as the DC ground on the Boat.

It should be noted that earth bonding a legal requirement to ensure safety. It is not only illegal, but also dangerous not to bond AC Earths to metal parts and DC Negative on Board. A common earth point should be used.

PART NO: E936

WORKING VOLTAGE: SHOREPOWER: 115V / 230VAC                                           50 – 60Hz

SHOREPOWER RATING: SUITABLE FOR USE WITH RCD PROTECTED SHOREPOWER OUTLETS FROM 10AMPS – 50 AMPS

AC CURRENT RATING: 50A CONT,  5KVA FOR 20mSEC

VOLTAGE RATING: 600Vac  50/60Hz

TEMPERATURE RATING:  -40ºC TO +70ºC

FIXING: 4 POINT FIXING (5mm HOLE)

FEATURES: FULLY SEALED CONSTRUCTION CONFORMS TO EC/73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC, ISO13297

E936 GALVANIC ISOLATOR