<![CDATA[One of the main problems that often arises in electrical distribution systems is the occurrence of ground faults and leakage currents. Both faults can trigger serious consequences, ranging from electric shocks and equipment malfunction to nuisance tripping and potential electrical fires. An isolation transformer works on the principle of galvanic separation between the source and load sides, so that it is able to inhibit leakage current flow, break ground-loop paths, and protect equipment from disturbances originating on the source side. This study experimentally tests the performance of an isolation transformer in real scenarios, measuring its impact on leakage current, neutral-to-ground voltage, and system response to artificial ground-fault disturbances, together with an economic feasibility study. Testing was performed on a 900 VA electrical installation network with a 1:1, 1000 VA isolation transformer, at four simulated leakage points (outer wall, inside wall, gravelly soil, sandy soil) and five loading stages (0-400 W). The results show that the isolation transformer effectively mitigates ground faults and leakage currents, producing 0 A leakage current at all test points after installation, compared to 10-90 mA without it. An independent-samples t-test showed a statistically significant difference (t = 5.026; df = 15; p < 0.001) between conditions with and without the isolation transformer. The economic study shows that the transformer's internal energy consumption produces a power loss of 19.008 kWh per month at full load, equivalent to a loss of Rp 25,698.82 per month, with an investment break-even point (BEP) of 16.8 years when evaluated solely from leakage-current savings.]]>
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