Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32, Anti-Corrosion Device for Boats, Prevents Electrolytic Corrosion from Low Voltage DC Current
SKU: GDI000032000
Product Summary
The Victron Galvanic Isolator is made for marine-based applications to minimize electrolytic corrosion from shore power earth. This unit does this by blocking low-voltage DC currents that enter the boat via the shore power earth cable. Without this, the low-voltage DC will slowly corrode the boat's metal surfaces, such as the propeller, shaft, or hull.
Features:
- Effectively prevents electrolytic corrosion by blocking low-voltage DC currents
- Features two diodes connected in an antiparallel fashion
- Designed with a forward voltage higher than the potential difference between metals
- Enhanced safety measures with a built-in residual-current device that breaks the circuit in the presence of higher error voltages
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Reliable Corrosion Protection with the Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32
Ensure the longevity and performance of your boat by investing in the Victron Galvanic Isolator. Designed to prevent electrolytic corrosion, this advanced device effectively blocks low voltage DC currents that can enter your boat via the shore power earth wire, safeguarding your vessel's underwater metals such as the hull, propeller, shaft, and more.
How Does It Work?
The Victron Galvanic Isolator features a clever internal configuration consisting of two diodes connected in antiparallel fashion. This setup allows current to flow in both directions, but only above a specific threshold voltage of approximately 1.4 Vdc. The galvanic isolator, with its innovative design, effectively blocks harmful currents that may lead to electrolytic corrosion while allowing only harmless currents to pass through.
Key Features:
- Robust Corrosion Protection: The galvanic isolator acts as a reliable barrier against low voltage DC currents that can cause corrosive damage to your boat's underwater metals.
- Seamless Installation: This isolator is conveniently installed directly behind your boat's 230V connection, making it easily accessible.
- Foolproof Operation: The forward voltage of the galvanic isolator exceeds the potential difference between metals, preventing conduction and thereby neutralizing any electrolytic current. Additionally, in the event of a higher error voltage in the AC circuit, the diodes within the isolator will allow current to flow, triggering the residual-current device to break the circuit.
Installation Made Easy
Installing the Victron Galvanic Isolator is a breeze. You can seamlessly integrate this compact device into your power system by placing it conveniently behind your boat's 230V connection. Its forward voltage surpasses the potential difference between metals, effectively preventing conduction and eliminating electrolytic currents. Should an error voltage occur, the diodes will allow the current to flow and the residual-current device will break the circuit.
Enhanced Safety Measures
If there's a higher error voltage in the AC circuit, the diodes within the isolator allow current to pass through. However, thanks to the presence of a residual-current device, the circuit is promptly broken, ensuring protection against any potential hazards. With the Victron Galvanic Isolator, you can trust that your boat's electrical system remains secure and reliable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When your boat is plugged into shore power, the earth wire creates an electrical path between your boat's underwater metals and every other boat on the same dock. Small DC currents flow through this path due to voltage differences between dissimilar metals (your prop, the neighbor's hull, dock hardware). Over time, these currents eat away at the less noble metal. The galvanic isolator blocks those low-voltage DC currents (below approximately 1.4V) while still allowing the earth connection to function normally for AC safety.
No. If a real AC fault occurs and higher voltage appears on the earth conductor, the diodes in the isolator conduct and allow the residual current device (RCD/GFCI) to trip normally. The isolator only blocks the low-voltage galvanic currents, not safety-critical fault currents.
Yes. The galvanic isolator reduces corrosion from stray currents flowing through the shore power earth, but sacrificial anodes protect against corrosion from the surrounding water itself. They address different corrosion mechanisms and work together.
The isolator works on the earth conductor regardless of the AC voltage. It's compatible with both 120V North American and 230V European shore power systems.
It's designed and primarily used for marine applications where shore power connections create galvanic corrosion paths between vessels. It could technically be used in any situation where an earth conductor creates an unwanted galvanic current path, but marine is the primary use case.
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