afschakel

Afschakel is a Dutch term that refers to the act of isolating or disconnecting a component, circuit, or system from its energy source or network. The purpose is to ensure safety, enable maintenance or testing, and prevent unintended energizing of equipment. In practice, afschakelen can be performed manually by an operator or automatically by protective equipment, and it is often governed by safety procedures and standards.

The concept is used across technical domains such as electrical engineering, industrial automation, and process safety. In electrical installations, afschakelen typically means de-energizing a circuit or device so work can be carried out without risk of electric shock or unexpected movement. In other contexts, it can involve isolating a segment of a process line, a machine, or a telecommunications or water system.

Afschakel procedures often involve multiple elements: clear authorization, verification that all energy sources are isolated (and any stored energy discharged), proper tagging or locking of the equipment, and documentation to prevent accidental re-energizing. These measures are commonly part of broader lockout-tagout or permit-to-work frameworks designed to protect workers and ensure reliable maintenance.

Linguistically, afschakel can appear as a noun referring to the action itself; more common related forms are afschakeling (the process) and afschakelen (the verb, to disconnect). The term is chiefly used in technical and safety-oriented writing, but the underlying idea—temporarily removing power or connection to enable safe work—exists in many industries under various local terms.

See also: disconnection, switching, lockout/tagout, safety procedures, energy isolation.