Charles Isotransformer 93–IXFMR3/6–A Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual

Issue 1 Print 2

LT–IXFMR36–1

3.6 KVA Isotransformer

SHORELINE ISOLATION TRANSFORMER

t

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

& OWNER’S MANUAL
Model 93–IXFMR3/6–A

 Charles Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

Marine Group

Page 1 of 15

LT–IXFMR36–1

Contents

INTRODUCING... 3.6 KVA ISOTRANSFORMERt 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warranty/Registration 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Manual Purpose 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

APPLICATION 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warnings 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Installation Precaution 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Environmental Precaution 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Application Precaution 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Damaged Unit Precaution 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Disassembly Precaution 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

INSTALLING THE ISOTRANSFORMER 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing an Electrical Wiring Method 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wired as an Isolation Transformer 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wired as a Polarization Transformer 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing Mounting Location 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing Mounting Hardware 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mounting the IsoTransformer 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing the Appropriate Wire Type and Gauge 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choosing Electrical Wiring Hardware 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Overcurrent Protection 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Making IsoTransformer Connections 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Securing Covers 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Applying Power 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

OPERATING THE ISOTRANSFORMER 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety First 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Proper Operation 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MAINTAINING THE ISOTRANSFORMER 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TROUBLESHOOTING 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

WARRANTY & CUSTOMER SERVICE 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warranty 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Warranty Service and Repair 14. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Customer Service 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SPECIFICATIONS 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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LT–IXFMR36–1

INTRODUCING... 3.6 KVA ISOTRANSFORMER

Thank you for purchasing the 3.6 KVA IsoTransformer! Your IsoTransformer completely isolates input power
from output power providing an improved degree of safety and reducing galvanic current corrosion due to the di­rect connection to AC shore power.

Warranty/Registration

Before proceeding, complete and mail back the Warranty Registration card.

Manual Purpose

With your personal safety in mind, this manual lists important safety precautions first, then covers installation,
operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, warranty, and customer service information.

APPLICATION

The 3.6 KVA IsoTransformer is a shoreline isolation transformer intended for boats with 30 amp/120 volt service.
Properly installed it will electrically isolate AC shore power from the boat’s AC power system reducing galvanic
current corrosion due to the AC shore power connection.

The boat’s electrical system and grounding conductor are not actually connected to the shoreside system when
you use the 3.6 KVA IsoTransformer as an isolation transformer. Power is transferred from the shoreside electri­cal system to the boat’s electrical system by magnetic coupling. This means there is no direct electrical connec­tion between the earth-grounded shore AC power and boat AC power systems. The shore grounding conductor is
connected to a shield that is wound between the primary (shore) and secondary (boat) transformer windings. This
shield assures isolation on the boat by providing a protective layer between primary and secondary windings with­in the transformer. In the unlikely event of a breakdown within the transformer, the shield can withstand the fault
current of a properly sized shore supply circuit breaker long enough for the breaker to trip. In addition, by ground­ing one leg of the transformer secondary (X2) on board the boat a “neutral” ground is established for the vessel’s
electrical system. When using the transformer, shoreline polarity is no longer a consideration and a shoreline po­larity device is not necessary.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. This manual contains important safety and operating instructions

for the IsoTransformer. Read the entire manual before usage. Also read all instructions and cautions for and

on the IsoTransformer.

Warnings

WARNING — HIGH VOLTAGE

To avoid serious injury or death from high voltage electrical shock disconnect AC shore power before
opening panel.

WARNING — FIRE HAZARD

Primary overcurrent protection and conductor sizing must be in accordance with manufacturer’s
installation instructions.

WARNING

On board and in-water shock hazard. Transformer must be connected in accordance with
manufacturer’s installation instructions.

WARNING — FIRE HAZARD

Do not store equipment on or next to transformer. This unit is designed to operate hot and must have
free air flow to prevent over heating or charring of adjacent material.

 Charles Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

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LT–IXFMR36–1

WARNING — ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE HAZARD

Cord grip connectors must be used to prevent wires from chafing on the metal case and causing an
electrical short. See installation instructions for suitable connector types or call Charles Marine
Products to order a connector kit.

Installation Precaution

Boat wiring is a complex task that can cause shock, corrosion and other hazards if not done properly by trained,
experienced personnel. For more information on this subject contact the American Boat and Yacht Council

(ABYC) or see the standards and regulations below:

American Boat and Yacht Council
E-8 “Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems
on Boats”

3069 Solomon’s Island Road
Edgewater, MD 21037

Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

NFPA Standard 302.
“Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft”

National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park

P.O. Box 9101
Quincy, MA 02269-9401
Telephone: [phone]

Rules and Regulations for Recreational Boats Excerpts from the United States Code (USC) and the

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) (U.S. Coast Guard
Regulations) are available from the American Boat
and Yacht Council listed above.

Note: Installation of the IsoTransformer must be made in accordance with all applicable standards and regula-

tions.

Environmental Precaution

The IsoTransformer is intended for installation inside an engine room or elsewhere inside the boat. Make sure
that the location will not subject the unit to rain, snow, excessive moisture, or excessive heat.

NOTICE

This device is ignition protected in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations under 33 CFR

183.410.

Application Precaution

The IsoTransformer is intended for hard-wired, permanent, on-board applications. Use of attachments not recom­mended or sold by Charles Marine Products may result in risk of fire, electrical shock or personal injury.

Damaged Unit Precaution

Do not operate the IsoTransformer if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, immersed in water or otherwise
damaged. See the section in this manual on Warranty & Customer Service for repair information.

Disassembly Precaution

Do not disassemble the IsoTransformer. See the sections in this manual on Maintaining the IsoTransformer, Trou­bleshooting the IsoTransformer and Warranty & Customer Service.

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 Charles Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

LT–IXFMR36–1

INSTALLING THE ISOTRANSFORMER

Choosing an Electrical Wiring Method

There are two wiring methods that can be used to install the IsoTransformer as an isolation transformer in accor­dance with ABYC E-8 Alternating Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats. A third method, also in accordance
with ABYC E-8, can be used to install the IsoTransformer as a polarization transformer if desired. The third meth­od is not preferred, because wiring the unit in the manner described circumvents the AC grounding conductor
isolation between shore and boat power and may require the use of a galvanic isolator to reduce galvanic corro­sion.

Note: Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 are reprinted with permission from the American Boat and Yacht Council

(ABYC). To obtain the complete standard referenced or any other standards contact:
American Boat and Yacht Council: 3069 Solomon’s Island Road

Edgewater, MD 21037
Telephone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]

 Charles Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

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