Galvanic Isolator Install Tips

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NautiTug

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R-21 EC
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No Reservations
Hi all,

I am planning on installing the ProMariner ProSafe FAILSAFE 30 amp Galvanic Isolator on my 2017 Cutwater 28. Any install tips from those who have done this before would be appreciated.
 
I installed a 30 amp unit inside the cabin on our electrical panel wall within "the cave," although Promariner says it can be installed in the engine compartment as well. Unit is within 5 feet of shorepower connection.

Installation instructions were very clear and project was easy after I established where the unit would be located.

I would recommend viewing some YouTube videos for peace of mind.

Good luck!

Bob
The Doghouse 2
 
On our R27 Classic I installed it in the cockpit port locker below the solar controller. Removed the green grounding wire from the back of the ELCI (the first connection after the shore plug) and routed it to the isolator and then back from the isolator to the ELCI.

Curt
 
I installed a ProMariner galvanic isolator last year on my R-29S.

Preparation is the key. Specifically:

* Chose a location and dry fit the unit.
* Determine what it will take to mount it to the bulkhead.
* Ensure you have the right wire connectors and crimping tools. This is VERY IMPORTANT if you want to ensure no future issues with wiring.
* Do a final review before cutting wires to see if there are any unknown issues you will need to deal with.

Overall a fairly easy job!
 
Bosn Mate":2a50pe6i said:
I installed a ProMariner galvanic isolator last year on my R-29S.

Preparation is the key. Specifically:

* Chose a location and dry fit the unit.
* Determine what it will take to mount it to the bulkhead.
* Ensure you have the right wire connectors and crimping tools. This is VERY IMPORTANT if you want to ensure no future issues with wiring.
* Do a final review before cutting wires to see if there are any unknown issues you will need to deal with.

Overall a fairly easy job!
Click to expand...

Just to add. If you need to add any wire so the grounds can reach the isolator. Use tinned stranded wire of the same gauge and I would use shrink butt & ring connectors.
 
The C28 has a good location for the isolator under the Microwave/convection oven. The ELCI is located in the cabinet below and there is a ground terminal block that is easily accessible in the back of the cabinet. This location is dry, requires minimal wiring, it is as close to plug and play as you can get. Make up two green ground wires with terminal eyes mount the isolator you're done. Isolators should be tested once a year to confirm they are functioning properly. Because of the required failsafe you must test them to confirm it is isolating properly because it will fail closed not open always maintaining a ground. This install location gives easy access for testing.
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Thanks all! Esp Brian pictures really helped here! Do you know what gauge wiring and ring terminals?
 
Where are people mounting the isolator on their R-29s? Space seems very limited.
 
So remove Green Wire from shore Power Connection from back of ELCI and connect to one end of Isolator and then take new green wire and connect from other end of Isolator to Ground Bar that's located nearby.
 
I mounted a DEI Failsafe Galvanic Isolator on the panel separating the port Battery Compartment from the Generator Compartment - very convenient location - removed ground from the shore plug connection, butt connected a green 10 wire to it that runs to isolator, and connected another green back to the shore plug connection. Photo in my album.

DEI was highly recommended by the instructor at Annapolis School of Seamanship's Marine Electrical Systems course.
 
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=ht ... egUIARCIAg

Posted is a typical installation illustration. In the drawing the location of the isolator is the same location C 28 terminal strip. Mount isolator there. Attach a jumper from the terminal strip dock shore power side green wire to the Isolator. On the opposite side of the isolator attach a green jumper to the terminal strip that goes to the 120V breaker panel in the boat. Look at the directions that came from Promariner. There is no need to cut any wires and splice at this location. just make two cables with eye style terminal ends. I posted earlier 5/16 that is for isolator ( actually 1/4 but I used 5/16 ) the terminal strip eye style are # 10. It is all most plug and play. Good luck with your install.
 
SummerSteve":f5s5uobm said:
Good article on GI's and the need to test them - especially non-fail safe models.

https://marinehowto.com/testing-a-galvanic-isolator/
Click to expand...

Yes testing is good, with either type of isolator non-fail safe or failsafe. But honestly if you have the old style non-fail safe it should be replaced as it is now an ABYC requirement to have fail-safe on board. When the non fail-safe failed there was still galvanic protection because the ground was open but this could lead to a dangerous condition. In a failsafe the ground stays connected so the safety aspect is still present but the galvanic protection is not. Testing is easy as long as the isolator is installed in an area where it is easily accessible. Good point Steve, many install the isolator and think the boat is protected, but without testing one can not be for sure.
 
When I started down the path to get back into boating with a cruising motorboat I thought I'd have to refresh my old boat handling skills, become a diesel engine mechanic from scratch, and be prepared to spend time detailing it to keep things up.

It now seems that's the easy part.

But I also have to become a contortionist plumber and electrician too.

Full time mechanic, and occasional boat user.
 
FWTMD":10z26c0e said:
When I started down the path to get back into boating with a cruising motorboat I thought I'd have to refresh my old boat handling skills, become a diesel engine mechanic from scratch, and be prepared to spend time detailing it to keep things up.

It now seems that's the easy part.

But I also have to become a contortionist plumber and electrician too.

Full time mechanic, and occasional boat user.
Click to expand...

This may be true to a point. Most boat owners responsibility is to know the systems on board, respect and know the requirements set by the USCG. Practice and know boat handling, proper way to tie lines, set the anchor, make decisions about weather, navigation ..... Basically enjoy boating safely. The average boater doesn't have to know how to install equipment, how to repair equipment and or preform preventative maintenance. The average boater just needs to know how to operated the equipment on board and know when it is not operating properly. He or she should know what preventative maintenance needs to be performed and when. There are manuals that have maintenance schedules for all preventative items that need to be addressed. Forums like TugNuts also give tips on what maintenance should be done and sometimes how to do the repairs or inspections. For the average boater this information will help when talking to a marine repair facility about what needs to be done. You has a boater can pay for all services but have the knowledge of why you are paying for it by reading manuals and reading forums like TugNuts and never get your hands dirty if you don't want to.

If you are a DIY boat owner. You enjoy everything that the average boater does plus the challenges of repairing and maintaining your boat. There is a cost savings being a DIY boater but you must enjoy the challenges and the work to make it worth your while and have the general knowledge of how to make the repairs. It's not all or nothing either. Many DIY boat owners have expertise in area's and enjoy working or repairing what they have the knowledge of. I personally enjoy working on the boat. From the labor intensive sanding and painting the bottom to drinking a beer on the dock and polishing the rails and everything in-between. I have boating friends that enjoy boating and that's where it ends. They have everything done from painting the bottom to polishing the rails and they are drinking a beer while I'm polishing the rails. Do what you enjoy make it an enjoyable hobby, sport or "past time".

The bottom line is if boating is your choice of enjoyment. Enjoy it the way you want to and do it safely.

This is a bit off course to the topic sorry NautiTug.
 
I just love this forum!! I most likely fall into the DIY boater. I love to know how things work and saving money is not a bad thing so I can buy more boat stuff!

But case in point. Last year on a 75 mile trip. My fan belt broke about 45 miles into it. It did look a little worn but it only had 170 hours on it. I let the engine cool down after an hour. Carrying extra parts on board, I was back up and running 45 minutes after that. It wasn't that easy with the boat rocking, but I did it. I would hated to be towed in and loose a day if not more being on the water.
 
Seamanship, navigation, and similar areas of needed knowledge and experience are an obvious basic requirement. The need to keep a sharp eye on the functional status of needed systems is a given.

I apologize if I offended anyone with my comments about how much more is needed beyond that, expressed at a time of frustration on multiple levels.

I have said here before, but perhaps it bears repeating, this Board is extraordinarily helpful.

Regards to all.
 
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