TRANS⚠️ Safety & Prevention of Galvanic Corrosion

The Isolation Transformer is a crucial component for ensuring electrical safety on board and for preventing galvanic corrosion. It completely eliminates electrical continuity between the AC shore power system and the boat’s internal electrical system. This not only enhances safety but also removes the need for galvanic isolators and polarity alarms.

In typical land-based installations, electrical safety is often taken for granted. If a fault occurs—such as a short circuit or leakage current—a fuse will blow, or a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) will trip, cutting off power to prevent danger. However, in marine environments, connecting the shore-side ground wire directly to the boat's metal components creates a path for galvanic currents. This results in galvanic corrosion, which can significantly damage underwater metal parts.

To avoid corrosion, some may consider omitting the ground conductor altogether. However, this is extremely unsafe. Without a proper ground connection, GFCIs and fuses will not function correctly in the event of a fault, such as a short to a metal part of the boat, putting both equipment and crew at serious risk.

🌊 What Is Galvanic Corrosion?

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are electrically connected and exposed to a conductive fluid such as seawater (or even fresh water, though to a lesser extent). In such a scenario, the more active metal in the pair corrodes preferentially, while the more noble metal is protected. This process is influenced by factors including:

• The ratio of metal surface areas in contact

• The conductivity of the fluid (e.g., salt concentration in water)

• Temperature

• The specific metals involved

It is a common misconception that galvanic corrosion only affects boats with metal or aluminum hulls. In reality, any boat with metal components submerged in water—such as shafts and propellers—is susceptible. The problem begins as soon as the boat is connected to shore power, accelerating the breakdown of sacrificial anodes and even attacking critical underwater components.

✅ The Safe Solution

To maintain both safety and long-term protection of the boat’s metalwork:

• Use an isolation transformer to eliminate electrical continuity with shore power

• Do not omit the ground conductor, as this compromises all built-in electrical protection mechanisms like GFCIs and fuses

• Understand that galvanic corrosion can affect any boat, regardless of hull material, once shore power is connected

An isolation transformer provides a fail-safe solution that ensures proper functioning of protective devices while fully isolating the vessel from corrosive electrical paths.

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