electrolysis

[byron]

Will leaving the boat's ring main on but having all the domestics etc. switched off cause electrolysis? This is something I contemplate doing this winter, my winter moorings are on fresh water.

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[ArthurWood]

It shouldn't unless you have faulty wiring and even then in fresh water it shouldn't be a problem, but don't put your hands/feet in the water to find out.

 

[david_bagshaw]

Others on the forum will be better able to explain the science behind it, but on our boat an isolating transformer is fitted at the point the shore line comes on board to remove the chance of Electroylisis, as sometimes the earth wire on the shore side can be at a higher voltage than true earth and your boat plugged in produces a perfect earth & hence electrolysis can take place.. even more of a problem in marinas where others are plugged in also & perhaps have defective equipment.



David ps Take a look at my site www.yachtman.co.uk

 

[jfkal]

Get a good multimeter, unplug the shore power, ser the meter to single digit voltage DC , test between the earth on the shore power receptacle and the shore power cable earth (GROUND) pin. (Make sure you do NOT touch phase or neutral, ONLY GROUND to GROUND. If it does not read absolutely ZERO electrolysis will happen.
Now what? Get a GROUND ISOLATOR. It will block low DC current preventing electrolysis but still conduct AC high voltage ground faults.

 

[byron]

Thanks !

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