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Subject: TWL: Alternatives to isolation transformer?
From: Richard Morrison (richard@XXX.XXX)
Date: Thu May 02 2002 - 13:40:10 EDT
I have recently been strongly encouraged to install an isolation
transformer on the boat. While this does seem like it would provide
excellent "insurance" against shore power problems, it is somewhat
expensive, and from alternative viewpoints I've read in the archives, may
have its own issues. Also I'm especially concerned about the probable hum,
which likely would be on the other side of a bulkhead from my pillow every
night. My (admittedly ignorant) understanding of the utility of an
isolation transformer is that if one were able to be assured of the quality
of the shore power, and have on-board ground fault leaks under control, the
benefits would probably be marginal. Of course, I could be missing
something here.
So, I'm wondering if there is any nifty device (sort of like a combination
of reverse polarity alarm, galvanic isolator, and GFCI) that might provide
most of the benefits of an isolation transformer, but be in a more modest
price range. Or maybe just installing a simple device or two and being
religious about checking the quality of shore power before plugging in
would do most of the job.
Yes, I know that some do have the attitude that one can never be too
careful around electricity and a mistake can be deadly and that the $2K-3K
to have an isolation transformer installed to protect one's life can be
considered cheap insurance, but I'm trying to strike a reasonable balance
here, if possible. If eliminating all possible risks were paramount, I
wouldn't be on a boat in the first place.<g> I'm not ruling out the
transformer approach, but want to more fully understand pro's/con's and
possible alternatives. Any input on this? TIA,
Richard
-------------------------
49' Marine Trader Pilothouse (1978)
Twin Lehman 120's
SF Bay, CA
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