What device provides electrical isolation and voltage conversion between the shore outlet and the boat's electrical system?

The device that provides electrical isolation and voltage conversion between the shore outlet and the boat's electrical system is a transformer. A transformer is designed to change alternating current (AC) voltage levels while maintaining electrical isolation. This is crucial because it allows the boat’s electrical system to operate at a different voltage level than what is supplied from the shore.

When a boat is connected to shore power, the transformer ensures that any electrical noise or faults from the shore side do not affect the boat's electrical system. It steps down or steps up the voltage as needed based on the requirements of the onboard systems. The isolation provided by the transformer is essential for safety and compliance with electrical standards, preventing shock hazards and protecting sensitive electronics on the boat.

Other devices mentioned, such as an AC shore power voltage regulator, might manage voltage fluctuations but do not inherently provide the same level of isolation. An AC shore power converter typically refers to equipment that converts AC to DC or adjusts AC power in a different manner but does not primarily focus on the isolation and voltage conversion presented by a transformer. A rectifier is involved in converting AC to DC but would not be applicable to the context of isolating and converting voltages in the same manner as a transformer does.