Plug-in Galvanic Isolator from The Galvanic Isolator Company

[MattS]

Has anyone used one of these plug-in galvanic isolators from The Galvanic Isolator Company in the UK? Really just want to know that it's legit

Galvanic Isolators | Galvanic Isolator 500a Surge with Extra Protection & Status Alert

 

[VicS]

See also the plug-in Safeshore galvanic isolators. Also a UK company I beleive

Safeshore Marine UK


.

 

[Tranona]

Can't see any advantage over a permanently wired unit ither than avoiding doing the wiring - but maybe I am missing something!

 

[MattS]

For now, that's precisely the advantage for me Got a long list of things to do, AC re-wiring not at the top...

 

[Tranona]

But it is simple to wire (having just done it!). Earth from the socket to the GI and wire to the CU. 5 minutes plus mounting the GI. If your socket is a long way from the CU then open the sheathing of the cable close to the socket to expose the earth enough to cut it and insert the GI. If close like mine was leave the earth long enough to reach the GI and have a separate wire back to the earth in the CU. Connect the blue and brown as normal. Then forget about it.

 

[PaulRainbow]

For now, that's precisely the advantage for me Got a long list of things to do, AC re-wiring not at the top...

I'm with Tranona, fit a proper, fixed GI. It really is a simple job.

 

[lustyd]

I’d have thought simple job depends on the boat. If there’s no space or the wiring is at the back of a tiny locker or there’s nothing to mount it to the job can escalate. That said I’d expect any boat needing one to be big enough that’s it’s not a nightmare.

 

[Travelling Westerly]

Has anyone used one of these plug-in galvanic isolators from The Galvanic Isolator Company in the UK? Really just want to know that it's legit

Galvanic Isolators | Galvanic Isolator 500a Surge with Extra Protection & Status Alert

Yeah I've had one for about 5 years now, I wanted the ability to move it around diffrent boats. I like the warning lights on it showing any possible dc/ac issues. Its very small and just sits inline with my shore lead.
I guess as Paul says though perhaps fit a permanent solution is a best bet but for me I wanted portability at the time.

 

[lustyd]

showing any possible dc/ac issues

What DC issues is it participating in?

 

[PaulRainbow]

The blurb on the we

What DC issues is it participating in?

Interesting question.

The blurb on the website also says:

"The most obvious benefit is the Status Alert Indicator, which constantly monitors your boats earth connection for faults that could lead to corrosion of the hull, or even life threatening mains voltage earth leakage faults. "

Further down it says:

"The GI120/P/SA galvanic isolator is suitable for shore supplies that are protected by a RCD (Earth leakage circuit breaker) with a tripping current of 30mA or less, and MCB 16a or less. If in doubt, please contact a qualified electrician "

How can it offer any benefit again Earth leaks if there is an RCD fitted ?

 

[MattS]

I'm with Tranona, fit a proper, fixed GI. It really is a simple job.

Ok thanks - will reconsider putting a wired one in. It would fit in cockpit locker near to AC inlet, but conscious that may not be dry enough.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ok thanks - will reconsider putting a wired one in. It would fit in cockpit locker near to AC inlet, but conscious that may not be dry enough.

You can fit on anywhere between the shore power inlet and the consumer unit Matt.

 

[MattS]

You can fit on anywhere between the shore power inlet and the consumer unit Matt.

Ok thanks - could go next to the CU then.

Re the earth leaks - might it be that it protects against earth leaks when no other protection, but that it can still be used in conjunction with an RCD fitted in the system.

Edit: (I’ve asked the seller this question anyway)

 

[Tranona]

I installed mine literally next to the CU so fed the cable into the CU then left a bit longer earth wire out of the other side to the GI and then a short bit of earth wire back into the earth bus bar. Very straightforward.

 

[PaulRainbow]

Ok thanks - could go next to the CU then.

Re the earth leaks - might it be that it protects against earth leaks when no other protection, but that it can still be used in conjunction with an RCD fitted in the system.

Edit: (I’ve asked the seller this question anyway)

It doesn't offer any protection against "life threatening Earth faults" but the light would come on. Everyone should have an RCD, so it's a bit of a bullshit claim.

Same as "it uses no power", of course it doesn't, it isn't connected to the power !

Surge protection.... all GIs will have surge protection, they are primarily diodes, if the voltage exceeds the rating of the diode it will fail. Not sure where you'll get a 500v surge from though.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

The blurb on the we


Interesting question.

The blurb on the website also says:

"The most obvious benefit is the Status Alert Indicator, which constantly monitors your boats earth connection for faults that could lead to corrosion of the hull, or even life threatening mains voltage earth leakage faults. "

Further down it says:

"The GI120/P/SA galvanic isolator is suitable for shore supplies that are protected by a RCD (Earth leakage circuit breaker) with a tripping current of 30mA or less, and MCB 16a or less. If in doubt, please contact a qualified electrician "

How can it offer any benefit again Earth leaks if there is an RCD fitted ?

Sales Waffle!
A GI is basically a set of diodes, some with additions such as lights. It will block any voltage below approximately 1 volt from flowing to Earth via the boats earth connection (If you have one) If fitted between the shore power incomer and the the CU it will prevent earth leakage below this value from the Shore Power It will not effect the operation of safety devices such as RCD's.

 

[MattS]

To be fair to the company, I think maybe the wording on the website is just a bit salesly, and therefore not entirely clear. Their response to my question seems straightforward enough?

The GI protects against leaks by WARNING of their presence long before the leak is big enough to trip an RCD, giving you the opportunity to resolve the issue early rather than becoming aware only when the leak is big enough to trip the electrics. You always need an RCD to disconnect the supply in case of a large and sudden leak that comes on without warning.

DC protection is again by warning. In the case of a DC leak , only one LED will light (as opposed to BOTH LED's lighting for an AC leak). DC leaks are usually from an unintended link between the AC and DC circuits on a boat. There can also be leakage from electronic equipment using microprocessors, typically battery chargers, TV's etc., etc. This typically shows up as DC leakage.

 

[lustyd]

How can it offer any benefit again Earth leaks if there is an RCD fitted ?

I thought RCD detects any difference between L & N, they don't participate in earthing as the earth used might very well not be the one in the wire, and in dangerous scenarios probably isn't.

 

[KREW2]

I only do basic electrics, and I have just fitted one to my boat. Fitting a GI certainly comes under the banner basic electrics.

 

[PaulRainbow]

I thought RCD detects any difference between L & N, they don't participate in earthing as the earth used might very well not be the one in the wire, and in dangerous scenarios probably isn't.

Yes, but more often than not it's a leak to Earth that causes the imbalance, in which case the warning light on the GI will illuminate, or it would if there was no RCD.

I don't like products where they waffle about so called benefits, that aren't actually benefits in the real World.