Stay A.L.I.V.E. Martindale’s easy-to-remember safe isolation acronym is designed to protect electricians and electrical installers from avoidable electric shocks and injuries caused by working on live systems. The five-step safe isolation procedure ensures that circuits are dead and securely locked off before commencing electrical work. However, the process only works if you have the correct safe isolation equipment. So, how do you know which safe isolation kit is right for you? Thankfully, Martindale has created an easy-to-follow flowchart to help you choose a complete and standard-compliant set based on the type of installation you are working on, your testing needs, and your pre-existing tools. This way, you avoid unnecessary purchases while remaining fully compliant and protecting yourself and your team from electric shocks or injuries.

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Martindale’s 5 Steps to Safe Isolation

Staying A.L.I.V.E with Martindale’s five-step safe isolation procedure is easy![1]

Step 1 – Approved Kit

Make sure your equipment meets all legal safety standards before using it.

A large, grey "A" to the left of a yellow circle with a white shield featuring a tick in the centre.

Step 2 – Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO)

Identify the point of isolation. Lock it off. Attach a warning tag (or tags) to the point of isolation.

A large, grey "L" to the left of a yellow circle with a white padlock in the centre.

Step 3 – Initial Prove

Ensure your voltage indicator is working correctly by testing it against your proving unit.

A large, grey "I" to the left of a yellow circle with a white proving unit in the centre.

Step 4 – Voltage Test

Use your voltage indicator to detect dangerous voltage levels.

A large, grey "V" to the left of a yellow circle with a white voltage indicator in the centre.

Step 5 – Ensure

Verify the functionality of your voltage indicator again by checking it against your proving unit.

A large, grey "E" to the left of a yellow circle with two white checkboxes in the centre.

Which Martindale Safe Isolation Kit is Right for You?

Martindale’s five steps to safe isolation are memorable, easy to follow, and effective, but the whole process falls down without the right equipment.

Choosing the correct safe isolation kit for your application is critical, not only for executing A.L.I.V.E. and maintaining compliance with industry standards, but for protecting yourself and your colleagues. That’s why Martindale has devised this simple flow chart to help you choose the perfect safe isolation kit for your job. Use it to select an all-in-one, industry-compliant set that suits your testing needs and meets the challenges of your work environment, while ensuring you only spend where necessary.

Martindale "Which Safe Isolation kit is right for you?" flowchart.

Domestic Safe Isolation Kits - Stay Compliant at Home Installations

Martindale suggests the following safe isolation kits for securing domestic installations. All these kits are application-ready; however, you should refer to Martindale’s flowchart for specific recommendations regarding circuit and equipment needs.

Gas Safe Isolation Kits - Stay Safe While Working on Gas Installations

The following Martindale safe isolation kits are suitable for ensuring safe working on gas installations. For model-by-model guidance, see Martindale’s flowchart for recommendations regarding equipment, as well as socket and loop impedance testing.

Commercial & Industrial Safe Isolation Kits - Protect Yourself & Your Team During Electrical Work

Martindale has designed the following safe isolation kits for use on commercial and industrial installations. For installation-specific advice, such as maximum voltage and lock-off equipment, consult Martindale’s flowchart.

Martindale Commercial & Industrial Safe Isolation Kits

Further Information

It isn’t just Martindale championing the importance of safe isolation procedures; Northern Ireland’s ETT (Electrical Training Trust) also emphasises safe isolation as essential to preventing electric shocks and injuries.  

Make sure you’re not part of the 80%. Protect yourself, your team, and your livelihood with the right Martindale Safe Isolation Kit. Consider your installation, testing requirements, and existing equipment, then use Martindale's flowchart to choose the correct, safety-compliant isolation kit for your needs.


Footnotes

[1] All safe isolation A.L.I.V.E. information from Martindale, ALIVE 5 fail-proof steps to safe isolation, last accessed 05 February 2026.