What is the primary purpose of an electrical lock-out device?

The primary purpose of an electrical lock-out device is to prevent the operation of an electrical outlet. These devices are crucial in ensuring safety during maintenance or repair work on electrical systems. By locking out an electrical source, it ensures that no accidental energization can occur while personnel are working on or near the equipment. This minimizes the risk of electric shock or other hazardous situations that could arise from unintended electrical contact.

Lock-out devices are typically used in conjunction with lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures, which are industry standards designed to safeguard workers by ensuring that machines are properly shut off and unable to be started up again until maintenance or repair work is complete. The focus is on securing the energy sources effectively to protect anyone performing work on electrical systems.