What component in a marine electrical system is designed to prevent electric shock?

The isolation transformer is specifically designed to enhance safety in a marine electrical system by preventing electric shock. It achieves this by providing galvanic isolation between the shore power supply and the boat's electrical system. This separation effectively reduces the risk of electric shock that can occur if there is a fault in the electrical system or if a person comes into contact with parts of the system that could be energized due to ground faults.

When the isolation transformer is employed, any accidental fault current does not directly pass through the water to ground, thus keeping the potential for shocks much lower. This is particularly important in a marine environment where water can conduct electricity and increase the risk of serious injury or fatality.

While circuit breakers are important for overcurrent protection and can help in preventing hazards like fire, they do not specifically address electric shock. Voltage regulators are used to maintain a constant voltage level but don’t contribute directly to shock prevention. A connectivity tester is a tool for checking electrical connections but does not provide any protective measures against shock. Therefore, the isolation transformer stands out as the key component for improving safety against electric shock in marine systems.