Click for Burger Click for Nordhavn Click for Walker Click for Westport Click for Furuno

Galvanic Isolator tripping new dock power pedestal

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by CSkipR, Jan 5, 2019.

You need to be registered and signed in to view this content.
  1. CSkipR

    CSkipR Member

    Joined:
    Aug 16, 2008
    Messages:
    965
    Location:
    New Smyrna Beach, Fl
    This is a message I received from Bruce at ProMariner. Based on this he recommended replace the GI with a new model that doesn't have the diodes and doesn't require monitoring.

    The older galvanic isolators needed to be monitored because the diodes inside could blow “open” and interrupt the AC safety ground. This could cause a dangerous condition on the boat if there were a short somewhere.

    The monitor system sends a small pulse down the ground line and reads the pulse back on the “neutral” line since they are connected at the shore-side breaker box.

    Most boats have a small amount of signal leakage onto the ground line. Combined with the “pulse” from the monitor this can be enough to trip some GFCI’s.

    New galvanic isolators do not need to be monitored since they have newer technology where the diodes cannot blow open and interrupt the ground line. Switching to the new style isolators is the only permanent solution to this tripping of the GFCI’s.
  2. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    That makes sense and Galvanic Isolators don't last forever either. Galvanic isolators are not terribly expense and are relatively easy to change.