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Why and how should you use an isolation transformer on your 4–20 mA loops?

When managing infrastructure related to the water cycle (wells, reservoirs, pumping stations, or booster stations) and hydrology (hydrometric stations, remote piezometers, etc.), data reliability is the top priority.

However, in the field, your 4–20 mA measurement loops are frequently exposed to electromagnetic interference, atmospheric noise, or potential conflicts (issues with common ground connections).

As experts in instrumentation, we regularly receive questions about the best way to isolate and duplicate these analog signals.

Here is our comprehensive guide to effectively securing your facilities.

 

SSA 420 lightning arrester

What is a galvanic isolator, and what is its purpose?

A galvanic isolator (or isolator) is designed to electrically isolate two circuits.

Its primary function is to permanently eliminate interference and potential conflicts between your various field devices and your data acquisition systems (controllers, measurement units). By isolating the analog circuits, you protect the 4–20 mA signal from induced interference, thereby ensuring the accuracy of your measurements.

 

When to choose the SSA 4/20 standalone galvanic isolator ?

If your goal is purely efficiency and ease of integration, the SSA 4/20 is the ideal solution.

  • The big advantage: It is entirely self-powered by the measurement loop (with a voltage drop of only 4.2 Vdc). Therefore, it requires no external power source.
  • Usage: It fits easily into your electrical cabinets upstream of your acquisition system for simple and transparent isolation of an input to an output.
  • Performance: It provides 2 kV of isolation between the input and output.
SG3V

How do I choose between the SG1V, SG2V, and SG3V galvanic isolators?

When your isolator requires power, or if your network architecture requires the same field data to be transmitted to multiple separate data acquisition or display systems, you should choose our powered galvanic isolator models.

 

  • The power of signal duplication: The SG2V model duplicates the signal across two independent outputs, while the SG3V splits the signal across up to three fully isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs. This is the perfect solution for sending, for example, alevel measurement (from a borehole, a water tank, or a pumping station) to three data acquisition systems.
  • Complete flexibility: These modules support a wide input voltage range (12 to 24 Vdc or 24 Vac). In addition, the inputs and outputs can be configured independently in active or passive mode (current loops can be powered directly by the isolator or from an external source).

 

Improved performance: The powered version allows the use of high-impedance lines with excellent accuracy of ±0.1% at 25°C.

SG2V galvanic separator

How is a PARATRONIC galvanic isolator installed?

Our equipment is designed to make it as easy as possible for your maintenance teams to work in the field:

  • Mechanical mounting: The modular polycarbonate (PC) enclosures clip directly onto a standard DIN rail inside your control cabinets. The design is compact (2 modules, each 17.5 mm wide, for the SSA 4/20 and SG1V, and 3 modules for the SG2V and SG3V).
  • Easy wiring: They feature large, pluggable screw terminals that are easily accessible with a standard screwdriver.
  • Quick Diagnosis: For the SG1V, SG2V, and SG3V series, a red LED is associated with each input or output and lights up only when the corresponding loop is active and in use, making commissioning easier.
SG2V galvanic separator

Why choose PARATRONIC insulation solutions?

  • Proven durability: Designed for harsh industrial and outdoor environments (IP20, UL94-V0 flame resistance, operating temperature range of -20°C to +55°C).
  • 2-Year Lightning Warranty: Our isolators feature high immunity and are designed to withstand lightning surges (8/20 1.2/50 waveform: 2 kV). Our 2-year manufacturer’s warranty explicitly covers lightning risks (provided the installation is properly protected).

What are the benefits of choosing PARATRONIC galvanic isolators?

All of our products are developed and manufactured in France, directly at our factory in Reyrieux, in the Ain department (01).

  • The assurance of La French Fab’s expertise,
  • Fast delivery within 48 hours
  • Technical and sales support is always available to assist you with your projects.

Are you planning to secure your facilities, or do you have a specific need to duplicate signals without losing accuracy?

Our experts are available Monday through Friday to review your wiring diagrams.

 Contact us or by phone at +33 (0)4 74 00 12 70.

 

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Industrial Zone Rue des Genêts
01600 REYRIEUX
T : +33(0) 4 74 00 12 70
F : +33(0) 4 74 00 02 42

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