Excerpt from Instruction manualThe DEI Marine Galvanic Isolator (GI) is a fail-safe, solid-state DC isolation/ AC coupling device for marine applications with exceptional product performance and certifications to ABYC A-28. Galvanic isolators are desirable whenever a boat is connected to AC shore power, due to a galvanic circuit, which can cause corrosion of the boat and its drive system components. Due to the difference in the potential of the hull and drive system metals compared with the shore grounding system or other boats, a galvanic current, which causes corrosion, can flow. A galvanic isolator is installed in series with the shore power cable grounding conductor to prevent the flow of galvanic current thereby preventing galvanic corrosion.
Fail-Safe Criteria
In the marine industry, the criteria for galvanic isolators is defined by the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommended standard A-28. Due to recommendations to the A-28 galvanic isolator committee about the need to retain safety grounding under all conditions, as required by the U.S. National Electrical Code for all similar applications outside of A-28, the standard makes provision for "fail-safe" galvanic isolators. To be considered "fail-safe", an independent laboratory must confirm that the isolator will either remain fully functional or remain a permanent, effective grounding path if it fails, when subject to the ultimate current-carrying capability of the grounding conductor (i.e. the energy required to melt the conductor).
This important safety feature eliminates the need for a monitoring system, which is no longer required for fail-safe units because the safety concerns of a product compromising the grounding conductor have been removed.
Fail-Safe Plus®
Fail-Safe Plus models not only meet the fail-safe test criteria in A-28, but also have considerably higher AC fault current ratings than are required and have substantial lightning current ratings which are not required by A-28.
Features
- Ignition protected
- Optional "Fail-Safe Max" ratings
- Longest warranties offered in the industry
- Certified to ABYC A-28 as "Fail-Safe"
- Compact design
- Designed for cool operation - no heat sinks needed
- Prevents the flow of galvanic current with super imposed AC current well above the 3A minimum required by A-28
- Designed to meet stringent NEC land-based grounding requirements (exceeds marine requirements)
