Victron isolation transformers, ABYC compliance, surveys

[Jammer]

I am planning an upcoming shore power refit.

I'm planning to install a Victron dual-voltage/autodetect isolation transformer and a Victron Multiplus inverter/charger as the front end of my shore power system. My boat is wired for 120V 30A shore power, which I don't intend to change.

Victron isolation transformers are not in compliance with ABYC standards because they lack the safety shield between windings that the standards require. At present there appear to be no ABYC compliant isolation transformers available for purchase in a size suitable for my boat, though they have been available in years past (from Charles Industries) and some vendors have teased upcoming products. When these products were available, they were considerably heavier, considerably louder, and ran considerably hotter than the toroidal designs used by Victron (among others).

The ABYC requirement for a shield between windings has not been adopted outside the USA and some marine electricians and electrical engineers question whether it provides a meaningful improvement in safety.

My questions:

1) Is the ABYC likely to drop the requirement for the shield? If so, when?

2) Does anyone have any actual experience with (U.S.-based) marine surveyors encountering Victron isolation transformers? Was there any concern expressed in the survey regarding the installation?

3) Have any marine surveyors participating here received any guidance from "on high" regarding isolation transformers? What have you been told?

4) Has anyone had any experience with insurance acceptance of a Victron isolation transformer that was mentioned in a survey report?

[Mal Reynolds]

Well, I understand the desire to install things to a Standard, and ABYC is a good one but this is one of two areas I've decided to deviate from the E-11 standards. The other is related to grounding with an aluminum hull.

Here is an isolation transformer that meets the standard for a shield: https://hubbellcdn.com/literature/Wi...ansformers.pdf

In this case I'm not worried about:
- the actual safety of a Victron unit as it meets European standards
- a surveyor calling it out
- a problem with insurance.

But that's me.

[Jammer]

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Mal Reynolds

Here is an isolation transformer that meets the standard for a shield: https://hubbellcdn.com/literature/Wi...ansformers.pdf

FWIW the smallest one is 15 kva, I need 3 kva.