According to the definition in Article 100, an Electrically Safe Work Condition occurs when an electrical conductor or circuit part has been disconnected from energized parts (de-energized), locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested for the absence of voltage, and, if necessary, temporarily grounded for personnel protection. Basically, the equipment has been completely de-energized and is in a safe condition to begin the work.

Section 110.2 is all about performing energized work on items that have not been placed into an electrically safe work condition.

Sometimes circumstances may warrant the need to perform work on energized equipment. NFPA 70E Section 130.2(A) requires an energized electrical work permit under the following two conditions:

• When work is performed within the restricted approach boundary.
• When the employee interacts with the equipment when conductors or circuit parts are not exposed but an increased likelihood of injury from an exposure to an arc flash hazard exists.

Below is a sample of NFPA 70E. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 70E text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to NFPA 70E.

130.2 Energized Electrical Work Permit.

(A) When Required.

When work is performed as permitted in accordance with 110.2(B), an energized electrical work permit shall be required and documented under any of the following conditions:

(1) When work is performed within the restricted approach boundary

(2) When the employee interacts with the equipment when conductors or circuit parts are not exposed but an increased likelihood of injury from an exposure to an arc flash hazard exists