Electrical isolators are manual safety switches used to completely disconnect power to specific equipment so it can be safely serviced or repaired. 
Equipment Requiring Isolators
Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems: Fixed outdoor and indoor compressor units typically need a lockable, local isolator placed within arm’s reach (or about 1.25 meters) for technician safety. 
Water Heaters and Electric Hot Water Systems: High-wattage heating appliances near water sources require local isolation to cut power during leaks or maintenance. 
Solar PV Systems: Both the DC side (from the solar panels) and the AC side (to the inverter/grid) require dedicated isolators to stop high-voltage DC currents. 
Large Industrial Motors and Machinery: Heavy equipment, conveyors, compressors, and automated assembly lines need dedicated disconnects to allow lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures. 
Stoves and Cooktops: Fixed heavy-load cooking appliances often use dedicated isolation switches, depending on local electrical wiring rules. [1]
Why They Are Needed
Local Safety: They give technicians a visible, physical "OFF" position right next to the machine, preventing anyone from accidentally turning the power back on while working. 
Not Circuit Breakers: An isolator does not protect against overloads or short circuits automatically like a breaker; it is strictly meant for manual shut-off and safe isolation. 
If you are planning an installation, tell us what specific appliance or system you are working on so we can check if an isolator is mandatory for your setup.





IP rating (Ingress Protection rating) tells you how well an electronic device or enclosure is sealed against solid objects like dust and liquids like water.
An IP code uses the letters IP followed by two numbers (for example, IP65). 
First digit (0–6): Measures protection against solids (such as hands, tools, dirt, and dust). A higher number means tighter protection, where 6 is completely dust-tight. 
Second digit (0–9): Measures protection against liquids (such as dripping water, sprays, or full submersion). A higher number means better resistance to heavy water pressure or deep water.
An "X" placeholder: Used if a device has only been tested for one category, such as IPX7 (water-resistant, but untested for dust). 
Common IP Ratings
IP20: Indoor use only; protects against fingers but offers zero water protection.
IP44: Protected against wires/large tools and water splashes from any direction.
IP65: Dust-tight and protected against low-pressure water jets (weatherproof).
IP67: Dust-tight and safe for temporary water immersion (up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes).
IP68: Dust-tight and safe for continuous, deep-water submersion specified by the maker. 
Please tell us:
What specific device or product are you looking at?
Where do you plan to use it (indoors, outdoors, underwater)?
Dusty environments?
Explosive atmospheres – e.g. Airports, Grain Silos and Storage Facilities, Service (Fuel) Stations, etc, these may need to be evaluated a bit more in depth in specialized explosion protection certifications like IECEx or ATEX, which govern thermal limits and spark prevention. Equipment in hazardous zones must carry both the proper Ex rating and an adequate IP seal.
Note: In Australia, IECEx certification is accepted, with the Australian standard AS60079 conforming with its equivalent IEC60079 in order to comply.
Australian Standard AS/NZS 2381 Electrical equipment for explosive gas atmospheres stipulates that all equipment used in hazardous areas must be certified with IEC Ex, AUS Ex or ANZEx.