Isolation Transformer 4500W 115/230V - Safe Shore Power Supply for Boats and Yachts
Input Voltage 115V or 230V | Output Voltage 115V or 230V | Toroidal Transformer | Soft Start
The Isolation Transformer 4500W 115/230V is the successor model to the proven 3600W isolation transformer and offers higher power output with 4500W for a safe shore power supply for boats and yachts.
Thanks to the galvanic isolation between the shore power connection and the onboard electrical system, a direct electrical connection between the shore-side earth and the boat's ground is prevented. This reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion on metal components such as propellers, propeller shafts and other metal parts that come into contact with water. At the same time, the electrical isolation contributes to the safety of the onboard power supply.
The isolation transformer supports both 115V and 230V on the input and output sides. The required voltage can be configured directly on the unit using internal jumpers. This means that the transformer can be used not only for galvanic isolation but also for voltage conversion between 115V and 230V systems.
The integrated soft start limits the inrush current and prevents unnecessary tripping of the shore-side circuit breaker. The low-noise toroidal transformer also ensures quiet operation, making it particularly suitable for use on board.
Features:
- 4500W power output
- 115V or 230V input and output
- Galvanic isolation
- Voltage conversion
- 50/60Hz mains frequency
- Integrated soft start
- Low-noise toroidal transformer
- Robust aluminium housing
- IP21 protection rating
Protection against galvanic corrosion – how does it work?
Galvanic corrosion occurs when different metals are electrically connected and come into contact with water. Components affected include propellers, propeller shafts and other metal parts. Boats made of GRP or wood can also be affected.
When connected to the shore power supply, an electrical connection can be established between the boat and the shore-side earth via the protective earth conductor. This can allow galvanic currents to flow, accelerating the deterioration of protective metal components (sacrificial anodes) and causing damage to important components such as propellers and propeller shafts.
The isolation transformer prevents this direct connection by galvanically isolating the shore power supply from the onboard electrical system. This significantly reduces the risk of galvanic corrosion while maintaining the required electrical safety measures on board.
Diagram description:
- A - Shore AC power supply
- B - Shore AC distribution
- C - Isolation transformer
- D - Residual current device (RCD)
- E - Vessel's AC power supply
Flexible input and output voltage configuration for the Isolation Transformer 4500W 115/230V
The Victron Isolation Transformer 4500W supports both 115V and 230V AC power supplies. The input and output voltages can be configured independently of each other directly on the unit using internal jumpers.
The following voltage configurations are possible (rated voltages according to the datasheet, rated output currents in brackets):
- 115V input to 115V output (38A)
- 115V input to 230V output (19A)
- 230V input to 115V output (38A)
- 230V input to 230V output (19A)
This allows the isolation transformer to be used both for galvanic isolation and for adapting between different voltage systems. This is particularly beneficial for boats and yachts that connect to shore power supplies with different mains voltages.
The configuration is carried out manually using the supplied jumpers inside the unit. This version does not feature automatic detection or switching of the input voltage.
Voltage boost to compensate for voltage drops
With a transformation ratio of 1:1.05, the isolation transformer increases the output voltage by approximately 5%. This compensates for typical voltage drops in shore power supplies, such as those that can occur in marinas.
The isolation transformer is suitable for both 50Hz and 60Hz power supplies. However, the mains frequency is not converted.
Electrical safety when connected to shore power and during winter storage
In addition to protection against galvanic corrosion, electrical safety also plays an important role. The protective earth conductor must not simply be omitted when connecting a boat to the shore power supply, as this could create dangerous situations in the event of an electrical fault and prevent the intended protective devices from functioning correctly.
Through galvanic isolation, the Victron Isolation Transformer enables an independent protective earthing system to be established on the output side. For this purpose, a separate residual current device (RCD) must be installed at the AC output. To ensure that it functions correctly, the output neutral conductor must be connected to the output-side protective earth and the boat's ground in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Special precautions must be taken for boats that are out of the water, for example during winter storage or maintenance work. In this case, a direct connection between the shore-side protective earth conductor and the boat's protective earth conductor must be established for safety reasons.
The isolation transformer is equipped with the necessary internal connections for this purpose. The required connection is made using a supplied earthing jumper wire.
What other applications is the Isolation Transformer 4500W 115/230V suitable for?
The isolation transformer is not limited to shore power supply for boats and yachts. It can also be used in commercial and industrial applications where galvanic isolation between an external power supply and the connected electrical circuit may be beneficial or necessary.
Possible applications include:
- Mobile workshops and service vehicles: Galvanically isolated power supply for electrical equipment and tools when connected to external power networks.
- Workshops and technical test benches: Electrical isolation of individual test and supply circuits from the mains supply.
- Commercial and industrial specialised installations: Galvanic isolation and mains voltage conversion for installations with different electrical requirements.
The isolation transformer can also be used in American motorhomes operated in Europe. For example, 115 V appliances can be supplied from a European 230 V mains connection. The transformer provides both voltage conversion and galvanic isolation.
Note: The isolation transformer is suitable for both 50 Hz and 60 Hz mains supplies. However, it does not convert the mains frequency. For American motorhomes, it is therefore necessary to check whether the connected 115 V appliances are also suitable for operation at 50 Hz.
Whether the isolation transformer is suitable for a particular application depends on the electrical requirements and the necessary safety measures. Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with the applicable regulations.
Important!
Work on electrical installations and equipment must only be carried out by authorised and appropriately certified electricians. Unauthorised interference may result in significant damage to property and personal injury.
Scope of delivery:
- 1 x Victron Isolation Transformer 4500W 115/230V | ITR040452042
- 1 x mounting bracket for installing the isolation transformer in a vessel
- 1 x short yellow/green jumper wire with 6.35 mm female spade connectors for connecting the output neutral conductor (N) to earth / protective earth (PE)
- 1 x long yellow/green jumper wire with 6.35 mm female spade connectors for connecting the input-side earth / protective earth (PE) to the output-side earth / protective earth (PE) when the vessel is out of the water for maintenance or winter storage.
- 1 x long yellow/green cable with ring terminals for earthing the housing
- 4 x short black jumper wires with 6.35 mm female spade connectors used for AC voltage configuration.
- 7 x mounting screws
- A German operating manual is also available in our download section.
You can find more helpful tips in our FAQ.
