A galvanic isolator is considered fail-safe if it meets the requirements of which type of path?

A galvanic isolator is designed to prevent electrolytic corrosion in marine environments and ensure the safety of the electrical system. It does this by isolating the electrical ground of the vessel from the ground in the dock or shore power system. When it comes to being considered fail-safe, a galvanic isolator must meet the requirements of a ground-fault current path.

This is significant because, in the event of a ground fault, which is an unintended electrical path that can create a hazard, the isolator should still allow sufficient current to safely trip a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). This ensures that if any faults occur in the system, they can be effectively managed without posing a risk of electrical shock or fire. By meeting the ground-fault current path requirements, the galvanic isolator guarantees that safety mechanisms in place will operate effectively, thus protecting both the vessel and its occupants from electrical dangers.