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What is the difference between the two? I often saw them used interchangeably until a while ago

If you must use two metals farther apart than 200mV, you need to take steps to protect them, either by insulation or isolation (so they're not in contact) or by using anodes.

If someone knows to explain on a practical example?

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Have you considered looking up the definitions on-line? – Mitch Dec 13 '11 at 0:31

closed as general reference by Mitch, Daniel δ, Hugo, Marthaª, kiamlaluno Dec 13 '11 at 18:13

This question is too basic; it can be definitively and permanently answered by a single link to a standard internet reference source designed specifically to find that type of information. See the FAQ for guidance on how to improve it.

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The example sentence uses sense 3 of insulation, "...separating a body from others by nonconductors, so as to prevent the transfer of electricity..." and sense 1 of isolation, "state of being isolated, detached, or separated".

Electrical isolation amounts to using an air gap (or vacuum) as an insulating (nonconducting) medium; like most electrical insulators, air has a breakdown voltage, typically about 1000V/mm, while the breakdown voltage in partial vacuum may be substantially less.

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So, if I may, "insulation" would be wrapping the wire in thick plastic, while "isolation" would be separating the wire from anything outside wishing it "harm"? To put it bluntly. – ldigas Dec 13 '11 at 0:22
Yes, if the plastic is nonconductive, which usually is the case. "Insulating" typically means using a tangible barrier to reduce conduction, while "isolating" means separating by a distance suitable for the voltages involved. – jwpat7 Dec 13 '11 at 0:30
@Idigas: I think it would be more appropriate to say that "isolation" is separating it from other electrical components, regardless of whether there's any harm involved. – Lynn Dec 13 '11 at 5:11

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