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Friday, March 18, 2022

Question:

Hello,

We were recently doing a service upgrade (changing out a panelboard) and the inspector said we have to shut the power off. What NEC Section requires this? We think the inspector has requested something beyond the responsibilities of his position. What say you?

Allen Ford

A

Answer:

Hi Allen,

The NEC does not address working on energized equipment or creating electrically safe work conditions. This information on electrical safety in the workplace is found in OSHA Regulations 1910 Subpart S and 1926 Subpart K) and addressed more specifically in NFPA 70E-2021, the Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. The requirements to eliminate the electrical hazards and establish electrically safe work conditions are provided in NFPA 70E-2021 Sections 110.1 through 110.4. Another good bit of information is found in the definition of qualified person in Article 100 of NFPA 70E.

Hope this is useful.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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