Isolation Transformer

[MarcZ]

I'm contemplating adding Isolation Transformer while upgrading to Smart-plug , and looking for advice / suggestions on location , brand etc. (pic would be great)

I found one from  Charles Marine Iso-G2 3.6 kVA  size ~ 10" x 10" x 10"

Thanks,
Marc

[mark_53]

Marc: 
I have an isolation transformer that is located on a lower shelf in the port side wet locker. I believe it's a Charles. Seems to work fine. I've been using it for about 3 years. Came with the boat.

[MarcZ]

Does it get hot ? how about noise level  ?

Thank you,
Marc

[mark_53]

It doesn't get hot.  Noise is a slight hum but not disturbing at all.

[J_Sail]

Not to distract from an excellent question, but have you considered the cheaper alternative of a galvanic isolator? I don't have personal experience, but galvanic isolators have greatly improved over the years, with new "fail-safe" models leading the way, and are cheaper/smaller/lighter than transformers and are silent. The Iso G-2 weighs 60 lbs, while a 30A galvanic isolator weighs under 3 lbs (and is about 1/4 the size).

I have heard from two reliable/expert sources that the DEI fail-safe galvanic isolators are of superb quality.

That said, a galvanic isolator does not protect against quite as many scenarios as an isolation transformer, so there are good reasons to go either way.

Jeremy

[MarcZ]

I did look at both, with transformer there is simply no "technical" or "functionality" downside "just"  1) price    2)  size 3) weight  - last two are definitely manageable .

More I think about location more I'm eyeing cockpit locker, it would be right next to my shore power plug and fairly out of the way . Am I missing something here ? 

[mark_53]

My cockpit locker gets more exposure to the elements and wet stuff then inside the cabin.  I think you want to keep expensive electronics as protected as possible.

[Ken Juul]

I mounted my galvanic isolator inside the cockpit combing next to the engine instrument panel.  Easy access to the shore power plug and out of the elements.

[Noah]

Does anyone know what year/hull number when they moved the shorepower plug from the outside of the combing to inside the cockpit?

[Dave Spencer]

Mine's on the stbd transom.  Mk1.5 with sugar scoop stern.  1994 model built late 1993.  It's out of the way but readily accessible.  I haven't yet left the dock with the power cable attached!   

[MarcZ]

Do you have a transformer there as well ?

So far we have 3 production years and 3 different plug locations 

There is definitely something about cockpit locker being not very dry therefore not ideal for electrical anything but ..... I already have "electrical box" right there and no signs of trouble

I need to make a dummy template and start measuring alternative locations

[Dave Spencer]

No transformer on my boat.

[mark_53]

I think about location more I'm eyeing cockpit locker, it would be right next to my shore power plug and fairly out of the way . Am I missing something here ? 

Is there a reason being close to the power plug is important?  Mounting close to the AC bus would be just as convenient to install on my MK1.  Don't know about the MK2.

[rmbrown]

Re plug location, I have hull number 1251, a 93 model built in December of 92, and mine is in the cockpit, not in on the stern.  I see Dave's is a year later and on the transom.  Not sure if that helps bracket when they moved it, or proves that the location isn't consistent!

[sailaway]

The whole problem with galvanic action is the green wire from the shore power cord being connected to your engine. A power isolation transformer on the power lines doesn't do much good. Any transformer that is loaded or working will give off heat. Charlie