Galvanic isolator

[Laundryman]

My boat is an Oceanis 321, 17 years old and kept in a Marina connected to shore power. She appears to have escaped the last 17 years without a Galvanic Isolator with as far as i can tell, no ill effects. I intend to leave the shore power connected through the winter to run a small oil filled radiator. So do i need to fit one now please ? Thank you Alan

 

[VicS]

My boat is an Oceanis 321, 17 years old and kept in a Marina connected to shore power. She appears to have escaped the last 17 years without a Galvanic Isolator with as far as i can tell, no ill effects. I intend to leave the shore power connected through the winter to run a small oil filled radiator. So do i need to fit one now please ? Thank you Alan

Very advisable to fit a GI if you leave the shore power connected , even if not actually in use.

HOWEVER

It is not necessary if the ships earth, anodes and DC negative if not an isolated system are not bonded to the earth.
Check this first. If there is no connection between the shorepower earth and the anodes etc there is no problem.
If earth is bonded to the anodes etc then yes advisable to fit one.

From what you say you may find there is no bonding therefore no problem but check