Newmar GI-50 Galvanic Isolator
Newmar GI-50 Galvanic Isolator — Product description
Protecting your boat's underwater metals from sneaky corrosion doesn't have to mean constant zinc replacements or surprise haul-outs. The Newmar GI-50 Galvanic Isolator steps in as your frontline defense, tackling the root cause of galvanic action by isolating low-voltage stray currents between shore power's AC safety ground and your boat's DC bonding system.
How the Galvanic Isolator Shields Your Vessel
Picture this: you're docked at a busy marina, shore power humming along. Without proper isolation, tiny DC currents sneak through the green grounding wire, accelerating the sacrifice of your zinc anodes. These anodes are meant to corrode in place of valuable bronze struts, props, and thru-hulls—but excessive current eats them alive in weeks, not months.
The GI-50 changes that. It blocks most of those harmful low-voltage paths while keeping the essential AC safety ground intact for fault protection. A built-in high-capacity capacitor adds an extra layer, offering a low-impedance route for any AC leakage to ground safely, ensuring compliance with stringent marine safety standards.
Key Benefits for Boaters and Yacht Owners
- Extend Zinc Life Dramatically: Cut corrosion rates by up to 90%, meaning fewer dives or yard visits to replace anodes.
- Cost Savings That Add Up: Skip frequent haul-outs and zinc purchases—your wallet (and schedule) thanks you.
- Compact and Robust Build: Engineered for marine environments, it handles 115/230 VAC at 50-60 Hz and up to 50 amps without breaking a sweat.
- Peace of Mind on the Water: Maintains full ground fault protection, so you're safe from shocks while preventing electrolysis damage.
- Versatile for Various Setups: Ideal for boats with single or multiple shore power inlets, fitting seamlessly into existing AC panels.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Model | Shore Power VAC, Hz | Shore Power Rating, Amps | Dimensions | Weight | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | W | D | lb. | Kg | |||
| GI-50 | 115/230, 50-60 | 50 | 4.5 in. (11.4 cm) |
4.7 in. (11.9 cm) |
8.9 in. (22.6 cm) |
3.2 | 1.5 |
Simple Installation Tips for Optimal Performance
Getting the GI-50 up and running is straightforward, typically taking under an hour for a savvy DIYer. Mount it near your AC distribution panel in a dry, ventilated spot. Connect the shore power green ground wire to the "shore" terminal, and run a dedicated wire from the "boat" terminal to your bonding system bus bar. Use appropriately sized marine-grade tinned copper wire (at least #10 AWG) to handle the 50-amp load.
Pro tip: Test your setup with a multimeter post-install to confirm no continuity between shore and boat grounds under normal conditions—but instant connection if AC voltage exceeds 1.1V DC, verifying the capacitor's failover. Always consult your boat's wiring diagram and consider a marine electrician for complex systems.
Why Serious Mariners Trust This Setup
In the world of boating, where salt water and electricity mix unpredictably, proactive protection like the GI-50 pays dividends. Owners report zincs lasting seasons longer, especially in high-stray-current marinas. It's not just gear; it's an investment in hassle-free adventures, from coastal cruises to offshore passages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a galvanic isolator and why do boats need one?
A galvanic isolator prevents low-voltage DC currents from flowing between your boat's bonding system and shore power ground, which cause rapid corrosion of sacrificial zincs. It's essential for boats on shore power to extend anode life and protect underwater metals.
How does the Newmar GI-50 differ from regular isolation transformers?
Unlike bulky, expensive isolation transformers, the GI-50 is compact, affordable, and focuses solely on blocking DC galvanic currents while preserving AC safety ground—ideal for most recreational and mid-size vessels without needing full transformer capacity.
Will the GI-50 work with 230V shore power?
Yes, it's rated for both 115V and 230V AC at 50-60 Hz, handling up to 50 amps. Perfect for international cruising or European marinas.
Does it affect my boat's safety ground protection?
No—the design maintains full AC ground fault integrity. The integrated capacitor provides a low-impedance path for any AC leakage above 1.1V DC, tripping to safety instantly.
How often should I inspect or replace the GI-50?
These units are solid-state and maintenance-free. Annual visual checks for secure connections and heat marks suffice; no moving parts mean years of reliable service.
Can I install the GI-50 myself?
Absolutely, for those comfortable with marine AC wiring. Follow the diagram: shore ground to input, output to bond bus. Use proper wire gauge and torque specs for terminals.
Is the GI-50 suitable for boats with multiple shore power cords?
Yes—one unit handles single or paralleled cords up to 50A total. For larger multi-inlet setups, consult for parallel installation.
NewMar Galvanic Isolator Sacrificial zincs corrode away as they protect metal thru hulls, shafts and props from damaging electrolysis. Stray, low voltage current flowing between the AC safety ground and DC bonding system is a principal cause of this "galvanic" action. Installing the Galvanic Isolator between the AC safety ground and DC bonding system (see diagram), blocks a majority of the low voltage currents and corrosive action on the zincs is significantly reduced (while the integrity of the critical safety ground path is maintained.) This means a significant savings in boat haul-out fees and zinc replacement costs. For additional safety, all units feature a large capacitor, providing a secondary low impedance path for sending AC current to ground.
NewMar GI50 Attributes
Galvanic Isolator
Sacrificial zincs corrode away as they protect metal thru hulls, shafts and props from damaging electrolysis. Stray, low voltage current flowing between the AC safety ground and DC bonding system is a principal cause of this "galvanic" action.
Installing the Galvanic Isolator between the AC safety ground and DC bonding system, blocks a majority of the low voltage currents and corrosive action on the zincs is significantly reduced (while the integrity of the critical safety ground path is maintained.) This means a significant savings in boat haul-out fees and zinc replacement costs.
For additional safety, both units feature a large capacitor, providing a secondary low impedance path for sending AC current to ground.
| Model | Shore Power VAC, Hz | Shore Power Rating, Amps | Dimensions | Weight | ||||
| H | W | D | lb. | Kg | ||||
| GI-30 | 115/230, 50-60 | 30 | 2.7 | 4.8 | 7.3 | in. | 2.45 | 1.1
|
| 6.9 | 12.2 | 18.5 | cm. | |||||
| GI-50 | 115/230, 50-60 | 50 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 8.9 | in. | 3.2 | 1.5 |
| 11.4 | 11.9 | 22.6 | cm. | |||||
""
SKU: NVN-1001170
MPN: GI-50
UPC:
Technical specifications
| Brand | NewMar |
| Model | Newmar GI-50 Galvanic Isolator |
| SKU / MFR# | 1001170 |
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Frequently asked questions
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