Before installing an interrupter in a rectifier, what is required by code?

Before installing an interrupter in a rectifier, locking out and tagging out the break or AC disconnect is crucial for safety and compliance with electrical codes. This practice protects workers from electrical hazards by ensuring that the circuit is completely de-energized before any work begins. The lockout/tagout procedure involves securing the power source and clearly marking it to prevent accidental re-energization while maintenance or installation activities are underway.

This safety protocol is mandated by various safety regulations, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, which require that equipment be properly shut off and incapable of being started up again until maintenance or installation is completed. By implementing this procedure, the risk of electric shock or other injuries related to accidental electrical contact is significantly reduced.

While notifying local authorities and checking for sufficient ground voltage are important aspects of site safety and operational readiness, they do not address the immediate risk associated with working on electrically energized equipment. Turning off all power sources might seem pertinent, but without the formal lockout/tagout process, there remains a possibility for power to be restored inadvertently. Thus, the emphasis on locking out and tagging out ensures a higher level of safety for personnel involved in the installation process.