What feature must galvanic isolators and their status monitors have?

Galvanic isolators and their status monitors are essential devices used in marine environments to prevent galvanic corrosion caused by stray currents. One critical feature they must possess is ignition protection. This means they need to be designed and constructed in such a way that they do not create sparks or expose any hot surfaces that could potentially ignite flammable vapors, particularly in an area where fuel is present.

Ignition protection is crucial for safety in marine applications because boats often operate in potentially hazardous environments. Failure to have proper ignition protection could result in dangerous situations such as explosions or fires caused by stray electrical currents interacting with the highly volatile substances present in a marine setting.

While overcurrent protection, water resistance, and thermal insulation are valuable features in various electrical systems, they are not specific requirements for galvanic isolators and their status monitors. Overcurrent protection helps prevent overloads, water resistance is beneficial for outdoor or marine applications, and thermal insulation can be beneficial for managing heat. However, the primary focus for galvanic isolators in terms of safety is ensuring that they are safe to use in environments where ignition risks are present. Therefore, ignition protection is the correct answer.