Final answer:
A line isolation monitor is a device used to continuously monitor the insulation levels of an isolated electrical system to prevent shock hazards, especially in critical environments like hospitals.
Step-by-step explanation:
A line isolation monitor is a device used to monitor the isolation of electrical circuits in places where electrical safety is paramount, such as in healthcare facilities. While an ohmmeter, which operates based upon Ohm's law, measures the resistance of a particular component or device after isolating it from the circuit, a line isolation monitor continually checks the total insulation level of an isolated power system without requiring isolation.
It is important to note that a line isolation monitor helps identify potential leakages and faults in the system, providing an early warning before a dangerous condition arises. It does so by indirectly measuring the insulation resistance of the line against the ground and alerting the user when this resistance drops below a safe threshold. These monitors help ensure that any person coming into contact with the electrically powered equipment is not subjected to an electric shock.