When using AC shore power converters, what component is required for galvanic isolation?

Galvanic isolation is an essential safety feature in electrical systems, especially in marine applications where AC shore power is involved. The purpose of galvanic isolation is to prevent any direct electrical connection between the shore power system and the onboard electrical systems. This is crucial in preventing corrosion of metals due to stray currents and mitigates the risk of electrical shock.

Isolation transformers serve this purpose effectively. They allow AC power to be transferred from the shore power system to the boat's electrical system while keeping them electrically separated. This separation helps protect both the equipment on the vessel and the personnel on board. Furthermore, isolation transformers help in reducing the influence of electrical noise, thereby providing a cleaner power source.

In contrast, noise filters, voltage regulators, and power inverters have their own functions within electric power systems, but they do not provide galvanic isolation. Noise filters are designed to suppress electromagnetic interference, voltage regulators maintain consistent output voltage, and power inverters convert DC to AC power. While these components may support overall system performance, they do not fulfill the critical role of establishing galvanic isolation like isolation transformers do.