Energy Isolation
Energy isolation is the physical separation and control of hazardous energy sources before maintenance, inspection, or entry work.
What this term means in maintenance
Energy isolation is the physical separation and control of hazardous energy sources before maintenance, inspection, or entry work.
Energy sources
Isolation may address:
- Electrical
- Mechanical
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Thermal
- Chemical
- Gravity
- Pressure
- Stored energy
Practical example
A mixer is electrically isolated, the agitator is mechanically secured, and process lines are blocked before entry.
Isolation steps
A controlled process includes identification, shutdown, isolation, lockout, stored-energy release, and verification.
Isolation and permits
The isolation plan may support lockout-tagout, confined-space, line-breaking, or other permits.
Common mistake
Stopping equipment from the control panel does not isolate hazardous energy.
How this term differs
Energy Isolation is the overall control of all hazardous energy sources. It is related to Electrical Isolation, Mechanical Isolation, and Lockout Tagout, but these terms describe different records, measures, roles, strategies, or decisions and should not be used interchangeably.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Lockout Tagout
Lockout tagout, or LOTO, is a controlled process used to isolate hazardous energy and prevent unexpected equipment startup or energy release during work.
Mechanical Isolation
Mechanical isolation prevents movement, flow, pressure, or stored mechanical energy from reaching equipment or personnel during work.
Electrical Isolation
Electrical isolation is the controlled disconnection and securing of electrical energy so equipment cannot become energized during work.
Glossary FAQs
- What is energy isolation?
Physical separation and control of hazardous energy before maintenance or inspection.
- What energy sources are included?
Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, chemical, gravity, pressure, and stored energy.
- Is stopping equipment enough?
No. Energy must be isolated and verified.