What must be established and maintained while combining multiple shore power sources?

Combining multiple shore power sources requires synchronization to ensure that the voltage, frequency, and phase of each power source are aligned. This is crucial because when two or more sources are connected to a common bus or load, any mismatch in these parameters could lead to severe issues like circulating currents, potential damage to equipment, or even dangerous electrical faults.

Synchronization ensures that each power source operates in unison, allowing for smooth transfer of power and preventing any interruptions in service. It's particularly important in marine applications where reliability and safety are paramount, especially when dealing with multiple generators or shore power connections.

While voltage regulation, load balancing, and isolation are important considerations in electrical systems, they do not specifically address the fundamental need for synchronization when combining power sources. Voltage regulation helps maintain stable voltage levels, load balancing ensures that the overall load is appropriately distributed, and isolation protects against unwanted currents, but none of these can replace the necessity for the sources to be synchronized before they are connected.