Invent a new galvanic isolator

[Hydraulicjump]

There are a lot of good engineers in the Tugnut community. I would like to propose a new product. I want 10% of proceeds for coming up with the idea. That's negotiable, of course.

I need to install a galvanic isolator on my boat due to a very hot marina (I think the derelict boat next to me is the cause of my suffering). Although the install is simple, this could be made much simpler still and at the same time get a lot of people to buy it.

That fancy new Smartplug that folks are so excited about, or any other three-prong 30 amp shorepower connector, could have an intermediate plug that contained a galvanic isolator in it. Simple. You just plug in the isolator, then plug in the shorepower and you are done. You can unplug the isolator when you don't need it and make it last longer.

Could one of you have that worked up for me right away? Price it close to $200 and you have a great product. And if you were feeling really adventurous, you could just build it into the male end of the shorepower cord or the smartplug itself.

Just sayin'

Jeff

 

[baz]

Jeff: The Smartplug company is about to release some new products and I'm on the list for receiving them to beta test them. I'm in contact with the CEO of Smartplug and will make some enquiries associated with what you've proposed, and will post back what transpires. Thank you for the suggestion. IMO it's a good one on the face of it. 🙂

 

[knotflying]

Just a thought, why would you want a galvanic isolator that can be removed? Once it is installed it is basically forget about it other than periodic checking to make sure it works.
I would say some type of indicator showing that either the isolator is not working or showing that there is a galvanic problem going on if you do not have an isolator would be a more practical device.

 

[baz]

Having the GI as part of the power cord does mean one does not need to find a place for a GI to be installed inside the boat. For the R25 at least this was a big concern for me when I installed our GI. I installed it on starboard side in V-berth at top of of the bulkhead and under the console box that holds all the wiring, fuses, auto pilot's shadow drive etc. This worked well as access to the shore power receptacle was but 18" away.