W
hen you have traced the fault to a single
appliance or circuit, it must then be checked for
earth leakage by a competent person.
Imprinted Leakage
Imprinted Leakage typically occurs when equipment
using a Switched Mode Power Supply Unit, (SMPSU),
is connected to your system.
Equipment utilising SMPSU’s include, Battery
Chargers, Computers, TV’s, Domestic Appliances,
Phone Chargers etc.
In our experience, battery chargers are often the cause
of imprinted leakage. CE regulations require that
equipment should not create this kind of interference,
but not all equipment is as “clean” as it should be.
Because of the way SMPSU’s operate, some of them leak power into the boat’s
earth wiring. This can cause the galvanic isolators light to come on, as the isolator
correctly detects the leakage.
Imprinted Leakage is traced in exactly the same way as for Mains Leakage.
However, when you track the problem down to an individual appliance, it may still
pass an Earth Leakage test. In that case, it’s likely that the problem is Imprinted
Leakage. Imprinted Leakage is often due to incorrect installation, but can also result
from design or manufacturing issues.
Pay close attention to earthing of equipment. Equipment is often installed
without adequate earth bonding. Please consult the equipment’s
installation manual, or contact the manufacturers for more information.
Earth bonding point
Model Gi-120/BK only
