Description
xVictron Energy Galvanic Isolator VDI-16A
The Victron Energy VDI-16A is a galvanic isolator designed to protect boat hulls and shore power wiring from galvanic corrosion. It is rated at 16A continuous and fits into the shore power earth conductor to block low-voltage DC galvanic currents while maintaining full AC earth continuity for safety. It is suited to marina berths, canal boats, and any vessel connected to shore power.
Key Features
- 16A continuous current rating, suitable for standard single-phase shore power connections.
- Blocks DC galvanic currents flowing through the shore earth conductor without interrupting AC earth protection.
- Diode-based design provides a blocking voltage threshold that stops corrosive galvanic currents at source.
- Compact and lightweight at 1.15 kg, allowing straightforward installation in confined bilge or panel spaces.
- Manufactured by Victron Energy, with consistent build quality and compatibility with Victron shore power systems.
Product Overview
Galvanic corrosion occurs when two dissimilar metals are connected through an electrolyte (seawater or canal water) and a conductive path such as the shore power earth cable. Small DC currents flow continuously through this path, gradually dissolving metal fittings, propellers, anodes and hull fittings. The VDI-16A interrupts this DC path by placing a pair of blocking diodes in series with the earth conductor. The diodes present a forward voltage drop that is high enough to stop galvanic currents (typically below 1V) but low enough that the earth conductor remains fully functional for AC fault protection.
The 16A rating matches the capacity of a standard 16A shore power supply, which is the most common connection found at UK and European marina pontoons. The unit is installed in-line on the earth conductor of the shore power cable, inside the vessel. Because it does not interrupt the protective earth under fault conditions, it complies with the principle of maintaining earth continuity required by marine electrical standards. Installers should verify compliance with the specific standard applicable to the vessel type and flag state.
Specifications
- SKU: GDI000016000
- Current rating: 16A continuous
- Weight: 1.15 kg
- GTIN: 8719076022374
Applications
- Sailing and motor yachts connected to marina shore power.
- Canal boats and narrowboats on shore power at marina or towpath hook-ups.
- Any vessel where galvanic corrosion of underwater metalwork is a concern due to shore power earth connections.
- Retrofit installation into existing shore power inlets on vessels without galvanic protection.
What Is Included
- 1 x Victron Energy Galvanic Isolator VDI-16A
Installation Notes
The VDI-16A must be installed by a qualified marine electrician familiar with the relevant marine electrical standards (such as BS EN ISO 13297 for European recreational craft). It is wired in-line on the earth conductor of the shore power inlet, inside the vessel. Incorrect installation, particularly any wiring that bypasses or interrupts the protective earth under fault conditions, creates a serious shock hazard. Do not install this unit without confirming the final installation meets the applicable standard for your vessel type and flag state.
Return Policy
xWe offer a 14-day, no-quibble returns or replacement policy because we want you to be totally satisfied with your purchase.
If you are unhappy in any way with your purchase, you can return it for a refund or a replacement, as long as you return it in the same condition as it arrived (original/undamaged packaging and product) and within 30 days of receiving it. We will pay for your return postage on a faulty item as long as you send it using Royal Mail 2nd class recorded delivery (for EU or International Shipments, you have to use our UPS account, we will provide you with a return label)
Please keep in mind the following:
- Non-faulty items returned after 14 days and/or not in their original, undamaged packaging can only be exchanged for store credit - 15% off the items returned.
- Items returned within 14 days but not in their original and undamaged packaging will also incur a -15% charge per package.
- If you return an item that doesn't adhere to our returns procedure or doesn't include a returns form, you may be liable for a £10 administration fee
- Individual items from a bundle can't be returned, refunded or exchanged. If you want a refund/credit/exchange for a bundle, all items must be returned to us.
Before you return your item, please make sure that:
- You follow our returns process (outlined below)
- The goods and packaging are undamaged
IMPORTANT: We need to be able to identify an item with your order. We can only do this if you follow our returns process. Please do not send us items back that do not follow this process as they cannot be identified properly and will not be replaced or refunded.
What delivery method do I need to use when returning an item?
You must send the goods back to us via Royal Mail 2nd class recorded delivery. Refunds on faulty items returned are reimbursed within 5 working days.
Can I return just one item from multiple purchases?
Yes. Once you start the returns process you will go to a page that will allow you to choose which items you want to be replaced or refunded.
Returning faulty goods
If your item is faulty, you need to follow the returns policy, where you will be able to state that it’s faulty. The product will then arrive at our warehouse for testing.
If your purchase is not within 14 days
You can still exchange your item for a different product or for credit to use on the Voltacon Solar or Ledison-led-lights.co.uk websites (-15% from the credit amount).
Returns outside of the 14-day period do not qualify for the free returns policy.
Returning an item within the warranty
If you have a warranty and want to return a faulty item, you just need to follow our standard returns process. When we receive your item, we will then check that it’s within warranty and for any faults before arranging a replacement.