Energized work is generally prohibited. Such work is permitted under which condition?

• A. When a documented energized electrical work permit is in place and the work is within the limited approach boundary or arc flash boundary
• B. When the supervisor approves verbally
• C. When PPE is worn and the equipment is tagged out
• D. When the voltage is below 5 volts

Answer: (A)

Energized work requires formal control through a documented energized electrical work permit because working on or near live equipment carries significant shock and arc-flash hazards. that permit records the task, energy sources, required protective measures, and the risk assessment, ensuring the work is authorized only after the hazards have been identified and controls are in place. It also specifies the boundaries—limited approach and arc flash—within which the work may occur and assigns responsibility, training, and emergency procedures, so everyone involved understands exactly how the risk is being managed.

Verbal approval lacks the written, reviewed record and defined controls; relying on PPE alone or tagging out the equipment describes protective measures or de-energization but does not provide the formal hazard analysis, boundary awareness, or authorization that energized work requires. And working at very low voltage does not eliminate arc-flash or shock risks, so the formal permit is still the needed safeguard when energized work is performed.