Galvanic Isolators Part Two

Galvanic Isolators Part Two. We talk about the different types of isolators, what should be considered when installing a new unit or replacing an existing one. And how to test a galvanic isolator on the workbench and in the boat.

[@jacktyler7599]

That was great, Eric....as well as Part 1. Now on to watch 'isolation transformer'. Thanks!

[@carlosgarciaperez1498]

Very helpful and enlightening. Thank you. Kids are great too.

[@craigweatherly2423]

Enjoyed the video and as usual love the child stars.

[@MrUndude]

You are a very good teacher, thank you very much for the valuable information. :)

[@paultunnicliffe5607]

Tested out per the video. All good. The shore cord / outlet test came out at 0.889 and 0.888 so higher than your example but good. Nice topic

[@jimclynes7026]

Thank you for this great information!

[@en8581]

Great videos-thanks! I am sorry if this is a dumb question but if I do that test on my boat with my multimeter and shore power cord and I don’t have a galvanic isolator or an isolation transformer what should I see to know my safety ground is intact/working?

[@ericweatherly6978]

Great question. If you do not have an isolation transformer or galvanic isolator installed and you test between the pedestal end of your shore power cord AC safety ground and the onboard AC safety ground buss or the safety ground on an outlet. You should read very low resistance, less than 1 ohm. That low resistance would indicate that the AC safety ground through the shore cord and then through the boat's wiring is intact. If you see no continuity or high resistance that would indicate that there is a problem with the AC safety ground. Thanks again great question.

[@derekec]

I've not checked all the comments yet but when you pointed out the boat's Ground side of the outlet at 15:50, your finger seemed to point at the Neutral (wide) lug of the outlet, not the Ground. And then your video did not actually show you insert the test lead. Maybe I'm wrong and maybe it doesn't even matter (is my guess), but can you address that for me. Awaiting delivery of a 42yo boat in a few days and will want to check. Survey made no mention of an isolator and I'm feeling overwhelmed with the systems I've got to learn. Thanks.

[@workinonaboat1950]

It does look that way, you are correct, that's the trouble with trying to hand hold a camera. But yes the test lead goes into the ground.

[@sanmanrod8105]

Thank you for the info, most helpful. I do have a question, will the galvanic isolator also protect against corrosion on one drive and not the other ? I have twin Bravo1s and the magnesium anodes (fresh water) on one of the drives are heavily corroded in a short amount of time ( 3months) while the other is not. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated !!

[@workinonaboat1950]

A galvanic isolator should protect the whole boat. If one sided is corroding faster than the other. I would check the bonding. Paying close attention to the bonding straps on the drive. Those little little wire straps that connect the moving parts of the drive together.

[@makkah5525]

Can you guide me in purchasing a good multimeter to purchase? A link to or suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

[@workinonaboat1950]

Lots of good multimeters out there. This is the one I use daily.www.amazon.com/Auto-Ranging-Resistance-Klein-Tools-CL800/dp/B019CY4FB4/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3GFWTAA6G351O&keywords=klein+multimeter&qid=1647432784&sprefix=klien+mul%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-6

[@Mooff2]

Why isn’t it 1.4 V? 0.8 V does not seem like enough to protect stainless steel.

[@workinonaboat1950]

I think we are talking about diffrent things. When we test a galvanic isolator we are measuring the voltage across the diode inside the isolator to check that it is functioning. We check hull potential to assess if we are protecting our underwater metals.

[@KeithCunningham-hj7nd]

New to boat and multimeter, I performed the check as you suggested and my multimeter reads 1447 and reverse 1443 with no decimal. Am I getting an accurate reading or is my isolator inoperable? Thank You

[@workinonaboat1950]

Not sure what you are reading there. Is the meter set to diode test?

[@KeithCunningham-hj7nd]

I purchased a better quality meter and set to diode test and has same results, even disconnected isolator and tried it directly, same numbers. I ordered a new isolator. Hope that's the problem. Thank You.