Tortech

Frequently asked questions - Stepdowns for Boats

For Boats we recommend the 3500w unit.

The 3500w unit is isolated and therefore conforms to installation standards:

Constructed and Tested to Australian Transformer Standard AS/NZS 61558.1:2000.

32amp max Designed for USA Boats Only.

Inbuilt Thermal Overload Cutout and Fuse Protection.

Integral Soft Starting for Inrush Protection and Limiting.

This transformer was especially developed for the use of supplying power, from the marina to a boat that utilizes 110v.

The maximum current (in amps) available from the marina is normally 15A at 240v 50Hz. It is normally supplied from an outdoor weatherproof switch/socket on the marina. The boat if imported often utilizes 110v.

This transformer will supply 31.8Amp at 110V in a hard wired configuration via a junction box situated external to the transformer enclosure. The main advantage of this stepdown transformer is that it utilizes an electrostatic screen between the primary and the secondary winding. This will attenuate incoming noise on the 240v line and shunt this noise to earth.

The other important point is the earth wire is not supplied on the output side. This eliminates the possibility of any galvanic action on any of the metal work on board the boat which is in contact with the saltwater, as the saltwater will conduct the AC electricity and cause corrosion to the metallic part.

The input earth is terminated to the electrostatic shield and to the earth of the metal box. But the output does not include on earth. The stepdown transformer does not change the frequency. The output frequency will be a function of the supply frequency which is normally 50Hz in Australia. The transformer includes a 15A flex and plug, with the large earth pin on the plug.

The transformer is suitable for indoor use so would have to be housed in a position so it is not subject to weather but is able to have free air circulation around the transformer.

Amplier and sound  Questions - why a higher stepdown may be required for quality

Amplifier is a device that amplifies audio signals. Audio signals consist of treble (high frequency sound) and base (low frequency sound) response. 

The base response is affected by the current delivery capability of the AC Supply. If the supply is soft the AC supply will Sag and hence this will mean the DC supply voltage will sag. 

Hence this will compromise the sound quality of the base response. The solution is to by a larger transformer to stiffen up the AC supply to stop the voltage from sagging.