Victron 16A VDI-16 Galvanic Isolator
IP67 Waterproof Galvanic Isolator – Blocks Corrosive DC Currents, 16 A Continuous, 1600 A Peak
DESCRIPTION
Victron Galvanic Isolator: Advanced Electrolytic Corrosion Protection for Marine Vessels
Engineered to Block Stray DC Currents and Preserve Underwater Metals
The Victron Galvanic Isolator is a critical component for any vessel connected to shore power, designed to prevent electrolytic corrosion of underwater metals such as the hull, propeller, shaft, and through-hull fittings. By installing this device in series with the protective earth conductor between the shore supply and the boat's grounding system, you effectively block low-voltage DC galvanic currents that would otherwise flow through the water, causing accelerated corrosion. Unlike generic isolators that may fail under fault conditions, the Victron unit uses robust internal diodes in an anti-parallel configuration, ensuring reliable isolation during normal operation while automatically conducting during AC fault currents to maintain safety.
How It Works: Reliable Diode-Based Isolation
At the core of the Victron Galvanic Isolator are high-capacity diodes that block DC voltages up to approximately 1.4 V. This threshold is higher than the naturally occurring potential differences between dissimilar underwater metals, effectively stopping corrosive currents. In the event of an AC fault, the diodes conduct, allowing the fault current to flow and trip the upstream residual-current device (RCD) or circuit breaker, ensuring personal safety and compliance with marine electrical standards. The fully potted, waterproof construction (IP67) protects internal electronics from moisture, salt spray, and condensation, making it suitable for installation in engine rooms, lazarettes, and other harsh marine environments.
Key Features
- Blocks galvanic corrosion currents – Prevents DC leakage via the shore earth connection, protecting underwater metals
- High peak current withstand – Handles transient fault currents up to 1600 A (20 ms), ensuring durability during short circuits
- Continuous current rating – Supports up to 16 A, matching typical shore power demands
- IP67 waterproof and fully potted – Resistant to moisture ingress, ideal for marine and coastal installations
- Anodised aluminium heat sink – Passive cooling design dissipates heat efficiently, no fans required
- Simple two-stud connection – M6 (approx. 1/4") stud terminals for secure, low-resistance wiring
- Compact and robust – Dimensions 60 x 120 x 200 mm, weight 1 kg, with integrated mounting slots
- Compliant with marine standards – Meets relevant safety and EMC requirements for onboard use
Why Choose a Victron Galvanic Isolator?
Many boat owners underestimate the risk of galvanic corrosion until costly damage appears. A shore power connection, while convenient, creates a conductive path between your vessel and neighbouring boats or the marina's metal structures. Without isolation, even small DC voltages can drive destructive currents through the water. The Victron Galvanic Isolator breaks this path for DC while preserving the safety earth for AC faults. Its robust design, with a peak current rating far exceeding typical fault levels, ensures it will not fail when needed most. The anodised aluminium enclosure provides excellent heat dissipation, maintaining performance even under sustained high currents. Installation is straightforward: mount the isolator close to the shore power inlet, connect the shore earth to one stud and the boat's earth to the other, and secure the wiring with appropriate lugs. No ongoing maintenance is required.
Applications
This galvanic isolator is suitable for a wide range of vessels, from small pleasure craft to larger yachts and commercial boats, wherever a shore power connection is used. It is particularly valuable in marinas with high electrical activity, where stray currents are common. Whether you are fitting out a new build or retrofitting an existing electrical system, the Victron Galvanic Isolator provides peace of mind by protecting your investment against hidden corrosion.
Note: For optimal protection, ensure your vessel's anodes are in good condition and regularly inspected. The galvanic isolator works in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, sacrificial anodes.
Secure Your Vessel's Underwater Metals Today
Don't let electrolytic corrosion compromise your boat's integrity. Install a Victron Galvanic Isolator and sail with confidence, knowing your underwater metals are protected. Order now or contact our team for expert advice on integrating this essential device into your marine electrical system.
SKU: VIC-GDI000016000
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications
| Maximum Current | 16 A |
|---|---|
| Peak Current | 1600 A / 20 ms |
| Connection | 2 Studs M6 |
| Material | Anodized Aluminium |
| Protection Category | IP 67 |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 60 x 120 x 200 mm |
| SKU: | VIC-GDI000016000 |
| Barcode: | 8719076022374 |
| Model #: | GDI000016000 |
| MPN: | GDI000016000 |
WARRANTY
Victron Energy Limited Warranty Policy
Victron Energy warrants its products to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase by the end user, with a maximum of 66 months from the Victron Energy invoice date. Exceptions on this are: lead acid batteries; 2 years from date of purchase by the end user, with a maximum of 30 months from the Victron Energy invoice date, Lithium-ion batteries; 3 years from date of purchase by the end user. In addition to this proof of correct battery usage is required when making a battery warranty claim.
During this period, Victron Energy will, at its option, repair or replace the defective product free of charge. The warranty does not include performing or reimbursing de‐installation, transportation and re‐installation. This warranty will be considered void if the unit has suffered any physical damage or alteration, either internally or externally, and does not cover damages arising from improper use like: • Reverse of battery polarity. • Inadequate connection. • Mechanical shock or deformation. • Contact with liquid or oxidation by condensation. • Use in inappropriate environment (dust, corrosive vapor, humidity, high temperature, biological infestation...). • Breakage or damage due to lightning. • Connection terminals and screws destroyed or other damages, like overheat, due to insufficient tightening. • For any electronical breakage except due to lightning (reverse polarity, over‐voltage due to external cause), the state ofthe internal control diode and of the inputs/output X and Y capacitors determine the warranty.
This warranty will not apply where the product has been misused, neglected, improperly installed, or repaired by anyone else than Victron Energy or one of its authorized Qualified Service Partners. In order to qualify for the warranty, the product must not be disassembled or modified.
Repair or replacement are our sole remedies and Victron Energy shall not be liable for damages, whether direct, incidental,special, or consequential, even caused by negligence or fault.
Victron Energy owns all parts removed from repaired products. Victron Energy uses new or reconditioned parts made by various manufacturers in performing warranty repairs and building replacement products. If Victron Energy repairs or replaces a part of a product, its warranty term is not extended. In case of replacement the new component has a warranty of 6 months, without effect on the initial warranty period. All remedies and the measure for damages are limited to the above. Victron Energy shall in no event be liable for consequential, incidental, contingent orspecial damages, even if having been advised of the probability of such damages. Any and all other warranties expressed or implied arising by law, course of dealing, course of performance, usage of trade or otherwise, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase.
Life Support Policy As a general policy, Victron Energy, does not recommend the use of any of its products in life support applications where failure or malfunction of the Victron Energy's product can be reasonably expected to cause failure of the life support device or to significantly affect its safety or effectiveness. Victron Energy does not recommend the use of any of its products in direct patient care. Victron Energy will not knowingly sell its products for use in such applications unless it receives in writing assurances satisfactory to Victron Energy that the risks of injury or damage have been minimized, the customer assumes all such risks, and the Liability of Victron Energy is adequately protected under the circumstances.
As a product requires service, it must be brought back to the place of purchase. In case no contact can be taken with the merchant, or if he is either unable or not allowed to provide service, direct contact should be taken with Victron Energy.
Warranty on Repairs The warranty period on products or on printed circuits boards repaired by Victron Energy as well as on printed circuit boards for replacement is 6 months from delivery by Victron Energy.
Transport It is the responsibility of the sender to sufficiently package these products. The transport must be organized in a way to avoid any damage, especially when a single unit or heavy unit is sent.
Severability If a part of the terms and conditions set out above is held invalid, void or unenforceable due to any particular national or international legislation, it shall not affect other parts of the terms and conditions remaining.
For Australia only Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Exotronic provides high-quality products and solutions tailored for B2B and commercial customers, including commercial businesses, caravan manufacturers, marine electricians, OEMs, as well as emergency services, and more.






