When working on electrical equipment, what should be done with the circuit breaker?

When working on electrical equipment, it is crucial to ensure that the circuit is safe and not live. De-energizing and locking out the circuit breaker is a vital safety procedure that prevents accidental re-energization while maintenance or repairs are being conducted. This practice is part of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) safety protocols, which are designed to protect workers from injury due to unexpected startup or release of stored energy.

By de-energizing and locking out the circuit breaker, workers can safely inspect, repair, or maintain electrical equipment without the risk of electric shock or equipment damage. This step ensures that no one else can inadvertently turn the power back on while work is ongoing, thus significantly enhancing the safety of the work environment.

While testing or inspecting the circuit for wear may be important aspects of maintaining electrical equipment, these actions should only occur once the circuit has been properly de-energized and locked out. Similarly, replacing a circuit breaker or turning it on for testing would not be appropriate until safe conditions are established. Therefore, taking the step to de-energize and lock out the circuit breaker is the most responsible and necessary action when working on electrical gear.