What should be done to the circuit breaker of electrical equipment being worked on?

De-energizing and locking out the circuit breaker of electrical equipment being worked on is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel. When maintenance or repairs are conducted on electrical equipment, it is vital to eliminate any potential risk of accidental re-energization. This is achieved by de-energizing the circuit, which ensures that no electrical current flows through the equipment while work is in progress.

Locking out the circuit breaker is also an important safety measure. It keeps the equipment in a safe state by physically preventing the circuit from being turned back on while maintenance is being conducted. This is typically part of an established lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedure designed to protect workers from the hazards associated with unexpected energization of the equipment.

By taking these steps, workers can perform their tasks without the fear of electric shock or injury from the energized components of the system. This approach reflects industry best practices for electrical safety and helps to maintain a safe working environment.