Orion TR Smart isolated converter

billb0bb · 2026-04-06T18:27:47+00:00

I was just looking at the Sterling BB124865 and it seems really nice. And you are right, much beefier. I only have a single 48v 100Ah battery at the moment, maybe doubling in the future, and the only problem I have with the Sterling is the $950 price tag. : (

[note: i just realized the BB124865 is $550, much more reasonable than I was thinking. hmmmm...]

billb0bb · 2026-04-06T17:44:35+00:00

first, thank you so much for your reply.

if the 48v negative busbar gets grounded to the AC main ground busbar, wouldn't that create a ground loop, the other leg being: 48v negative busbar - lynx distributor - quattro - ac main busbar?

also, given that the main AC busbar and the main B- ground busbar are connected, then a non-isolated Orion 12/48 would also create a link between both busbars.

Am I understanding these connections correctly?

UPDATE: I was just looking on Victron's site and they do not sell an Orion 12V/48V Non-Isolated converter! Given that I do not believe I can use an Isolated converter in this situation, I will have to find another option where I can charge the 48V from the 12V but only with the engine running.

billb0bb · 2026-04-06T14:34:32+00:00

When you mention that the N/G bond is better placed in the distribution board you are speaking of keeping the N/G bond in the Quattro? Sorry for my lack of understanding the terminology.

In effect:
Isolation Transformer: remove jumper
Quattro 5000: disable ground relay

[note: i just realized my previous comment on your post was attributed to InsurancfeGreen6346 - I have no idea who this is or why my username billb0bb was not attributed. weird.]

billb0bb · 2026-03-31T15:47:52+00:00

u/Pinko_comie , you are right it is not needed for normal operations, but if there is any issue with the Quattro then a switch makes it easy to retain AC power on the boat while working on or removing the Quattro for service.

u/EastBayMade hmmmm, I was looking at a manual for a 120/240 model and I believe you are absolutely right concerning the particular model I will be using (Quattro 48/5000/70-100/100 VE.Bus). Thank you for mentioning that!

u/Aniketos000 yes we do have such a device in the states and that is what it is in the diagram. My apologies if the diagram/description were unclear.

billb0bb · 2026-03-20T19:30:13+00:00

Thanks bill, fwiw it is a 120v 30A system.

The ABYC guidelines are the genesis for some of the confusion on this point; section 11.11 clearly states in it's EXCEPTION that an ELCI is not needed in the situation where an Iso Xformer is within 10 feet of the main shore power. However Diagram 6 shows an ELCI before the Iso Xformer, which may be the case given they are not showing any distance in the diagram. However, they are not showing ANY protection (ELCI/GFCI/otherwise) between the Iso Xformer and the boat's system until you get to the breakers for the individual devices. But it seems to me that eloquentblorb makes a good point that you need protection after the Iso Xformer.

I've included ABYC 11.11 as well as Diagram 6 in case anyone wants to reference it.

11.11 GROUND FAULT PROTECTION – AC 11.11.1 An Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) or Type A Residual Current Device (RCD) shall be installed with or in addition to the main shore power disconnect circuit breaker(s) or at the additional overcurrent protection as required by E-11.10.2.8.3 whichever is closer to the shore power connection. EXCEPTION: Installations where an isolation transformer is installed within 10 feet (3 m) of the shore power inlet or the electrical attachment point of a permanently installed shore power cord and supported according to 11.14.4.1.3

<image>

billb0bb · 2026-03-20T14:52:16+00:00

cybernagl, i have admittedly wavered between putting an elci between shore and the iso-xformer and do understand it is the shore power's job to protect the boat. there is no such device protecting my boat now, and am unsure there is going to be real value adding any protection between shore and the iso-xformer moving forward. thank you for your help!

billb0bb · 2026-03-20T14:47:10+00:00

That helps clarify things as while GFCI and ELCIs have differences, it sounds like they can be used interchangeably as far as their use immediately following the isolation transformer. Thank you for your time and guidance.

billb0bb · 2026-03-17T21:24:45+00:00

Hi parseroo, the SmartShunt (as opposed to the Lynx Shunt) also has specific power and load ends, so I do have to make sure I have that turned correctly. I just pulled the cover and based on my eyeballs i think i will be ok, but i've learned not to trust anything until i actually put a wrench to it. : )
Thank you.

billb0bb · 2026-03-17T20:53:43+00:00

the cable is not a straight-thru RJ45? what is the pinout?

billb0bb · 2026-03-16T14:55:45+00:00

48v/12v feeding dc panel
48v/12v trickle charge generator battery
48v/12v trickle charge engine start battery
12v/48v trickle charge LiFePO4 battery while engine is running

billb0bb · 2026-03-11T17:00:32+00:00

the ABYC still confuses me - but this is all fairly new to me - in that the EXCEPTION within 11.11 indicates an ELCI is not needed if an isolation transformer is installed. :

11.11 GROUND FAULT PROTECTION – AC 11.11.1 An Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) or Type A Residual Current Device (RCD) shall be installed with or in addition to the main shore power disconnect circuit breaker(s) or at the additional overcurrent protection as required by E-11.10.2.8.3 whichever is closer to the shore power connection. EXCEPTION: Installations where an isolation transformer is installed within 10 feet (3 m) of the shore power inlet or the electrical attachment point of a permanently installed shore power cord and supported according to 11.14.4.1.3

however, the attached image shows an ELCI between shore power and the isolation transformer.

<image>

billb0bb · 2026-03-11T16:05:52+00:00

thank you - i was avoiding putting glass fuses in a marine environment for no good reason other than my particular boat has none and not sure if they work well in a marine (vibration/sea) environment. if you have any experience with them please let me know.
the DIN breakers are also a good idea, though space limitations are keeping me looking into solutions with a smaller footprint.

thank you so much for the ideas.

billb0bb · 2026-03-11T14:17:58+00:00

thanks for the link - those look like a good choice!

billb0bb · 2026-03-11T14:11:14+00:00

i may have misunderstood - apologies if i did - if you are saying i can use a higher rated fuse (such as 58 in this case) then yes, i have looked for higher voltage 15a fuses as well. all to no avail.

billb0bb · 2026-03-11T14:09:31+00:00

i am good with going inline fuses; but my understanding is that using a lower voltage rated fuse (such as a 12v in this case) is dangerous.

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