Step 2. De-Energize Equipment
To de-energize equipment, you must physically separate or isolate it from its energy sources with energy-isolating devices.
Energized/De-energized/Energized
Push Buttons and Switches
It's important to know that merely turning off equipment does not deenergize or separate it from its energy sources. Push-buttons, selector switches, safety interlocks, control circuit type devices, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used in many modern machine applications are NOT considered energy-isolation devices.
Energy Isolation Devices
On the other hand, energy isolating devices do physically prevent the transmission or release of energy. To physically separate or "isolate" the equipment from its energy sources after the equipment has been turned off, you must use energy-isolating devices.
Energy isolation devices may vary in design and configuration. The most common types are:
- Circuit Breakers
- Disconnects
- Plugs
- Valves
- Flanges
Check out this great reference from DE energize that covers how to de-energize various types of energy.
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3-3. What does an energy-isolating device do?
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