Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32A
Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32A
SKU:792-GDI000032000
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Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32A
32A Max Continuous Current | IP67 Waterproof | Marine & RV Protection
The Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32A is an essential safety device designed to protect your vessel or RV from galvanic corrosion when connected to shore power. This robust isolator effectively blocks low-voltage DC currents that can cause damage to underwater metals such as hulls, propellers, and shafts, while ensuring the AC protective earth connection remains fully functional for safety.
Engineered by Victron Energy, a trusted name in power solutions, the VDI-32A features a durable, fully potted IP67-rated enclosure, making it suitable for harsh marine and outdoor environments. It's designed for straightforward installation directly behind your 230V shore power connection.
ESSENTIAL PROTECTION: Prevents galvanic corrosion in marine and RV electrical systems without compromising AC safety earth.
Key Features
| ▶ Galvanic Corrosion Prevention — Blocks low-voltage DC currents from shore power, protecting underwater metals. |
| ▶ 32A Continuous Current Rating — Suitable for typical 230V shore power connections up to 32 Amps. |
| ▶ High Peak Current Capability — Withstands transient fault currents up to 3200 A (20 ms) for enhanced durability. |
| ▶ IP67 Waterproof & Potted — Fully protected against dust and immersion in water, ideal for harsh marine environments. |
| ▶ Anodised Aluminium Heatsink — Provides efficient passive cooling without the need for fans. |
| ▶ Maintains AC Safety Earth — Allows AC fault currents to pass through, ensuring RCDs and circuit breakers trip correctly. |
| ▶ Simple M6 Stud Connections — Facilitates straightforward and secure installation into existing electrical systems. |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Victron Energy |
| Model | VDI-32A |
| SKU | GDI000032000 |
| Max. Continuous Current | 32 A |
| Peak Current (20 ms) | 3200 A |
| Connection Type | M6 Studs |
| Protection Category | IP67 |
| Diode Threshold Voltage | ~1.4 Vdc |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 63 x 164 x 200 mm |
| Weight | 2 Kg |
| Enclosure Material | Anodised Aluminium |
Operating Principles & Application Notes
The Victron VDI-32A Galvanic Isolator works by incorporating two diodes connected in an anti-parallel configuration. These diodes allow current to flow in both directions but only above a specific threshold voltage, which is approximately 1.4 Vdc.
When installed directly behind your boat's or RV's 230V shore power connection, the isolator's forward voltage is higher than the typical potential difference between dissimilar metals in the water. This prevents low-voltage DC currents from conducting, thereby stopping electrolytic corrosion.
Crucially, if a higher error voltage occurs in the AC circuit (e.g., a fault current), the diodes will conduct, allowing the current to pass through and ensuring that the residual-current device (RCD) or circuit breaker trips, maintaining electrical safety.
Typical Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Marine Vessels | Essential for boats, yachts, and other marine craft connected to shore power to prevent corrosion of hulls, propellers, and other underwater metal components. |
| Recreational Vehicles (RVs) | Protects RV chassis and metal components from galvanic currents when plugged into campsite or domestic mains power. |
| Shore Power Connections | Ideal for any application where a metal structure is connected to an external AC mains supply, particularly in environments where dissimilar metals and electrolytes are present. |
Built-In Protection Functions
The Victron VDI-32A is designed with robust protection features: it effectively blocks low-voltage DC galvanic currents up to approximately 1.4 Vdc, preventing corrosion of underwater metals. • In the event of an AC fault, the internal diodes conduct, allowing the fault current to flow and ensuring that upstream residual-current devices (RCDs) or circuit breakers trip, maintaining critical electrical safety. • Its IP67 rating ensures complete protection against dust ingress and temporary immersion in water, safeguarding the internal electronics in challenging environments.
Common Questions
What is galvanic corrosion?
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are in electrical contact and immersed in an electrolyte (like seawater). Low-voltage DC currents can flow between them, causing the less noble metal to corrode. Shore power earth connections can exacerbate this by introducing external DC currents.
How does the VDI-32A prevent corrosion?
The VDI-32A uses a diode-based system that blocks DC voltages below approximately 1.4 Vdc. This threshold is higher than the typical galvanic potential differences, effectively stopping corrosive DC currents from flowing through the shore power earth wire, while still allowing higher AC fault currents to pass for safety.
Where should this isolator be installed?
The Victron Galvanic Isolator VDI-32A should be installed directly behind your boat's or RV's 230V shore power connection. It is wired inline with the green safety earth conductor.
What does IP67 rating mean?
An IP67 rating means the device is fully protected against dust ingress (first digit '6') and can withstand temporary immersion in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes (second digit '7'). This makes it highly suitable for marine and outdoor installations where exposure to moisture is common.
Installation Notes
- Ensure installation is carried out by a qualified electrician or marine technician in accordance with local wiring regulations and safety standards.
- Mount the isolator in a location that allows for proper cable routing and access for inspection, though its IP67 rating allows for flexible placement.
- Connect the isolator directly into the 230V AC shore power earth line, immediately after the shore power inlet.
- Verify all connections are secure and correctly torqued to the M6 studs to prevent resistance and overheating.
- Always disconnect shore power before attempting any installation or maintenance.
Before You Buy
- Confirm the continuous current rating of your shore power connection does not exceed 32 Amps.
- Check the physical dimensions (H63 x W164 x D200mm) to ensure adequate space for installation.
- Understand that a galvanic isolator protects against galvanic corrosion but does not provide full isolation from shore power; for complete isolation, an isolation transformer is required.
- Consult your vessel's or RV's electrical diagrams and relevant standards (e.g., ISO 13297 for small craft AC systems) for proper integration.
All specifications are based on manufacturer data and verified information. Please consult the official Victron Energy documentation for the most current details. Victron Energy offers a 5-year standard warranty on this power product.
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