The prod guide for the Multiplus II says “This inverter is provided with an internal isolation transformer providing reinforced insulation” There are a couple of old threads asking whether this means that a separate galvanic isolation transformer for shore power input is not required for marine use, but none of the answers is really clear about what the internal transformer actually does and whether a separate GI transformer is still required. Can anyone give a definitive answer to this?
A galvanic isolator in the marine market is a device that is placed in the shore power safety ground (green) wire to block galvanic current (<1.2VDC) from leaving or coming aboard the vessel while still providing an AC fault path. It is not installed in any Victron inverter/chargers.
For steel or aluminum hulls I recommend full electrical isolation with an isolation transformer. A significant step up in electrical isolation from a GI.
Thanks Charlie. I do have an older isolation transformer as well as an old Heart brand inverter charger. I’m planning on replacing them both with Victron, and was hoping the Multiplus II was an all-in-one solution! Guess I’ll have to bite the bullet and buy them both.
Would installing the Victron galvanic isolator in addition to the isolation transformer provide any better protection? I do have a problem with corrosion on my base plate.
An isolation transformer completely separates the shore earth from the hull, you can not improve on that. You only use one or the other, both together has no additional benefit over an IT.