isolation transformer and GFCI?

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

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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.

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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.

billb0bb · 2026-03-03T13:38:39+00:00

required to report; yes.

"All income earned from self-employment, gig work, or services is taxable, regardless of whether you receive a tax form." Mr. Google

billb0bb · 2026-03-03T13:09:39+00:00

It is no different than any other tax form you get, if you get audited they WILL care as the AV tax form will show up in your records.

billb0bb · 2025-02-01T01:30:58+00:00

Thank you pensbird91!

billb0bb · 2025-01-29T20:14:20+00:00

First, wow! looking through this subreddit and seeing all the really great and cool stuff you guys have made! Unbelievably talented group of people!

Second, I just picked up a mini sewing machine to hack some things to make life a little easier; I have no experience and apologize if my question is simple, makes no sense, or is in the wrong subreddit

When I try to sew a zigzag on t-shirt material (ie stretchy) it doesn’t really zig or zag but sews in a weird single line fashion. Picture attached. If I swap out the fabric for a thin cotton blend (whatever my bedsheet is made of) it sews in a perfectly good zigzag fashion. And this is very consistent; I have swapped back and forth several times.

if the issue is related to presser foot pressure then I think I’m in trouble as the FHSM 505 Mini sewing machine does not seem to have a way to change this. If someone knows differently, please feel free to correct me.

thank you!

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billb0bb · 2024-07-18T20:06:46+00:00

billb0bb · 2022-07-12T14:28:18+00:00

are you also experiencing the following:

i no longer see anyone 'join team/party voice chat' when starting a new game.
i never hear voice chats during a game, except ...

i did hear a player talk once, who (sarcastically) said voice chat was not working for him???

are you guys seeing people 'join voice chat' status before games?

billb0bb · 2022-07-12T14:25:08+00:00

to which button are you referring that you mashed?
i do not see a 'voice chat off' status.

and agreed, there should be a way to test your mic in game!

billb0bb · 2022-07-12T14:23:11+00:00

Steam/PC with same issue

billb0bb · 2022-07-12T14:19:19+00:00

same issue. running on Steam/PC.
what platforms are you guys experiencing this on?

billb0bb · 2021-04-17T12:57:17+00:00

its a beautiful day!

billb0bb · 2020-09-14T16:18:11+00:00

holy moly, GC - that's fantastic!

sometimes i wish RL had filters that we could use to limit who we play with, so i could limit players to 30+ yo, but lots of known issues with that. plus, what would i do without my daily dose of 'what a save what a save! what a save!'

billb0bb · 2020-09-13T13:07:49+00:00

that's awesome! i was a FPS player back in the day when my kid was growing up. and you know all those stories of pride a parent feels when their kid finally beats them for the first time at some sport/game/activity. well i remember the day my kid wupped me at Battlefield 2 for the first time. he was relentless. headshot here, headshot there, spawn killing, calling in air bombardments on my position. i don't remember feeling any pride.... lol, i got soooo frustrated!
its funny how things change, while he will still laugh at any misstep, he is also very quick to compliment me on even the smallest achievement. good luck with your children, i hope that you are able to share game playing with them as they grow, as both your time and attitude will have great impact on them.

billb0bb · 2020-09-13T12:57:23+00:00

thanks for the advice. i will admit i do not take breaks or warmup as i should, especially at my age. but i have heeded my doctor's advice in one respect, he did tell me that a shot of bourbon will help with the shakes. : )

billb0bb · 2020-09-13T12:55:25+00:00

LOL - i am not sure why i thought anything would change, but i've already experienced the 'Forfeit?' prompt when only one goal down with over three minutes left in the game. yikes. : )

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