spanningsloos

Spanningsloos is a Dutch term meaning “without voltage” and is used in electrical safety to describe the state in which a device, circuit or installation has been isolated from its energy supply so that maintenance or inspection can be performed safely. The goal is to prevent electric shock, arcing and unintended re-energization during work.

Achieving spanningsloos typically involves three layers: de-energizing the supply, physically isolating the circuit, and verifying the absence of voltage. Technicians switch off the appropriate breakers or remove fuses, isolate the source with mechanical means, and then test at the work point with suitable measuring equipment. Where required, a lock and tag are applied to prevent re-energization until the work is complete.

Stored energy and secondary energy sources—such as capacitors, inductive loads, springs, pneumatics or hydraulics—must also be isolated or discharged. Residual or ghost voltage can persist, so multiple verification steps may be used and protective equipment worn as needed.

Spanningsloos procedures are standard in electrical maintenance and installation work in the Netherlands and Belgium, and they align with national and European safety standards for electrical systems. The term is closely related to the broader concept of lockout-tagout used in many industries.

See also: lockout-tagout, electrical safety, safety standards for electrical installations.