isolation transformers

[goplay]

Given the amount of expensive electronics, marine and otherwise, on boat I would think that isolation transformers, power conditioners etc would be a must-have.

Any suggestions on brand of isolation transformers? Is Charles' Industries the go-to?

Any guidance on sizing one?

How about power conditioners?

For context this would be for a 62'

thanks,
Charles

 

[OLD HOUSEBOATER]

IMHO an isolation transformer is the way to go. More true if you have a metal boat. It eleminates the baddies in the shore supply that can eat your boat/equipment. My last 6 boats were equipped with them and I never had a problem. Charles is oriented toward and specializes in marine markets however any industrial transformer vendor can supply your requirements. My 55 Pluckebaum was serviced by (1) 50 amp 250 volt and (1) 30amp 125volt units. Your 62 might require more capacity. Size of the transformer is driven by your shore power supply/s.

 

[Billylll]

I am using a pair of Charles Marine 3.6kva transformers on my boat. My shore power is 2 seperate 30amp inputs. I got them from Boatfix. They add ballast about 78lbs a piece. Worth their wieght in my opinion. No worries about stray current even mis-wired docks or polarity alarms. Every boat with modern electronics should have them. Regards Bill

 

[thataway4]

First, I have not used isolation transformers (I have used step down transformer in Europe). The electronics are probably better protected by a filtration and power supply than an isolation transformer.
If the boat is steel, definately the isolation Transformer would be a must. There are also some safety issues as well as electrolysis. However there are all sorts of bad things which an isolation transformer cannot prevent: Lightning, spikes and surges (both from DC and AC sources).

If you are seriously considering long distance cruising, consider a multi tap/adjustable transformer which will give a constant 110/220 supply voltage. Remember that the amperage may change as the voltage drop. 90 volts is not all that rare in some places in the World!

Charles has a good reputation. You need to size the isolation transformer to the load your boat will be carrying--most likely 50 to 100 amps 220 volts. Get the one with the boost function.

As for power conditioners--I just have used APC pacs on individual computers and specific electronics. They not only filter out spikes and lows, but also will have the standby power for short times to allow shutdown. I also would strongly consider a large enough inverter system, with batteries which are properly sized and adequate DC generating/charging systems. For foreign travel you can have a 50/60 hz battery charging system--and run all of the AC units off a pure sine wave inverter for the critical items.
For the non critical, go with systems which will run on 50 hz--ie the washing machine, freezer/refer, compresser, etc.

We were able to run most of our systems in Europe on Inverter or 50hz, except the freezer compressor (holding plate 12 cu foot each freezer and refer)--so I ended up stil running the genset 2 to 4 hours a day--plus at that time I was able to make water (if in an appropiate place) and wash clothes etc.