How to Complete an Energized Electrical Work Permit: A Guide

An Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP) is a critical safety document used under NFPA 70E when energized work is to be performed and de-energizing is infeasible or would create greater hazards. Employers follow NFPA 70E to determine when a formal permit and procedures are required for live work. Completing an EEWP is not merely paperwork; it is a systematic process involving a thorough Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), including both a shock hazard analysis and an arc flash risk assessment. The permit is used when de-energizing cannot be accomplished or would introduce a greater hazard — that is, energized work is the exception and must be justified by the employer and documented per NFPA 70E. It details the specific tasks, required personal protective equipment (PPE), and necessary authorizations from management, ensuring every precaution is taken before a journeyman electrician or master electrician approaches live parts.

What is an Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP)?

An Energized Electrical Work Permit is a core component of any effective electrical safety program. Defined in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, the EEWP serves as a formal checklist and authorization document. Its primary purpose is to ensure that all parties have considered the risks of working on or near live electrical parts and have deemed the work absolutely necessary. The permit forces a deliberate pause, shifting the mindset from “getting the job done” to “getting the job done safely.” For more foundational information, it’s helpful to understand what NFPA 70E is and how it governs workplace electrical safety.

This document is more than just permission; it’s a detailed plan. It requires a thorough description of the circuit, equipment, and job tasks, a robust justification for why the equipment cannot be de-energized, and an analysis of the hazards involved. This process aligns with the principles of OSHA 29CFR1910.333, which mandates that live parts to which an employee may be exposed shall be de-energized before the employee works on or near them.

When is an EEWP Required? The Infeasibility Rule

The guiding principle of NFPA 70E is that all electrical work should be performed in an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC). This is achieved through proper lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures. An EEWP is typically required when workers will be exposed to live parts and de-energizing is infeasible — for example, when work will place a qualified person within the restricted approach boundary of energized conductors. Whether a formal EEWP is required depends on employer procedures based on NFPA 70E risk assessment and documentation.

Recent editions of NFPA 70E have emphasized that energized work planning should include emergency response and rescue considerations; employers should ensure a job-specific emergency plan is part of the permit and JHA. In many organizations the ESWC is the default, with energized work permitted only after strong justification and formal authorization.

NFPA 70E and employer procedures recognize that some diagnostic activities (testing, troubleshooting, voltage measurement) are often performed energized; in many cases a full EEWP may not be required for these routine, diagnostic tasks if the work is performed by a qualified person using established safe work practices and appropriate PPE. Employers must still perform a hazard analysis and document safe work practices. The justification for energized work must meet one of two criteria:

1. Greater Hazard: De-energizing the equipment would create a greater hazard for people or processes, such as shutting down life-support systems, emergency ventilation, or critical public infrastructure.
2. Infeasibility of De-energizing: The task itself cannot be performed with the power off, such as certain diagnostics and tests that require the equipment to be operating to gather data.

Convenience, scheduling, or economic pressure are never acceptable reasons for performing energized work. For a deeper dive into this topic, explore the guidelines for working on energized electrical equipment.

The Step-by-Step Process for Completing an EEWP

Completing an Energized Electrical Work Permit is a detailed, methodical process. Each step is designed to force careful consideration of the risks and required controls. A mistake here can have catastrophic consequences.

1. Part I: Justification and Description: The first section requires a detailed description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on, along with the specific tasks to be performed. Most importantly, it requires a robust, written justification for why de-energizing is infeasible based on the criteria above.
2. Part II: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: This is the core of the permit and is informed by a detailed Job Hazard Analysis.
   • Shock Hazard Analysis: You must determine the system voltage, the Limited Approach Boundary, and the Restricted Approach Boundary.
   • Arc Flash Risk Assessment: You must conduct an arc flash risk assessment to determine the potential arc flash hazard. This can be done through an incident energy analysis (calculating the specific energy in cal/cm²) or by using arc flash PPE category tables in NFPA 70E.
3. Define Safe Work Practices: Based on the identified hazards, you must list the specific safe work practices that will be employed. This includes tools, voltage-rated equipment, insulated tools, and exact electrical switching procedures that will be followed to control energy.
4. Determine Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): List every piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) required to protect against both shock and arc flash hazards. This includes voltage-rated gloves and tools, arc-rated clothing, face shields, balaclavas, and more. Industry surveys and incident reports have highlighted PPE noncompliance as an ongoing safety concern in electrical work; this underscores the need for thorough planning, PPE selection, and active management oversight.
5. Identify Personnel and Set Boundaries: List every qualified person who will be performing the work. You must also detail the methods used to restrict access to the work area for unqualified persons, ensuring proper NEC working clearance requirements are maintained as outlined in standards like NEC 110.26.
6. Create an Emergency Plan: Employers should include a job-specific emergency plan as part of the permit and job safety planning. This plan identifies rescue procedures, the location of rescue equipment, methods to de-energize the circuit in an emergency, and contact information for emergency services. Recent NFPA 70E guidance underscores the need for these elements as part of energized work planning; see our discussion of NFPA 70E training for implementation tips.
7. Part III: Authorizations: The final section includes signature lines for approval. This typically requires signatures from the electrically qualified person performing the work, their direct supervisor, and a management representative (such as a plant manager or safety director) to ensure broad awareness and accountability.

The Role of the Qualified Electrical Worker

Only a “qualified electrical worker” is permitted to work on energized equipment. According to OSHA and NFPA 70E, this is someone who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. Qualification is task-specific. A master electrician may be highly qualified for commercial installations but may not be qualified to work on medium-voltage switchgear without specific training and documented experience.

Foundational knowledge from an electrician school, industry-recognized certifications, and a deep understanding of the NEC code book are essential building blocks. However, qualification for energized work requires specific, documented training on hazard recognition, risk assessment procedures, and proper use of PPE. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting, ongoing education is non-negotiable. It is vital to understand the rules for energized work, and you may find dedicated NFPA 70E training helpful for meeting employer and code expectations.

Key Takeaways for Energized Work

• De-energize by Default: The safest way to work on electrical equipment is to de-energize it completely. Energized work is the exception, not the rule.
• The EEWP is Non-Negotiable: For work that exposes qualified workers to live parts (with few exceptions), a properly completed EEWP or equivalent documented authorization and hazard analysis is required by employer procedure per NFPA 70E.
• Risk Assessment is Crucial: A thorough shock hazard analysis and arc flash risk assessment are the foundation of a valid EEWP.
• Authorization Means Accountability: The signature approval process ensures that management is aware of and accepts responsibility for the elevated risk.
• Training is Paramount: Only qualified persons with documented, task-specific training on the equipment and hazards are permitted to perform energized work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between a Job Hazard Analysis and an Energized Electrical Work Permit?

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or Job Safety Plan (JSP) is the process of identifying hazards and defining control measures for a specific task. The Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP) is a formal document that incorporates the findings of the JHA but adds a layer of formal justification and authorization specifically for energized work, which is considered one of the highest-risk activities.

Is an Energized Electrical Work Permit required for testing and troubleshooting?

Not always. NFPA 70E recognizes that diagnostic activities (testing, troubleshooting, voltage checks) are often performed energized. Whether a full EEWP is required depends on the task, the employer’s written procedures, and the outcome of the job hazard analysis; qualified persons must still use appropriate PPE and follow documented safe work practices.

Who is authorized to sign and approve an Energized Electrical Work Permit?

Approval typically requires a chain of command to ensure accountability. This often includes the qualified person(s) performing the work, a supervisor, and a management representative (e.g., site manager, safety director). The specific roles may vary by company policy but must involve individuals with the authority to oversee and accept the risk on behalf of the organization.

Does the NEC code book cover the requirements for an EEWP?

No, this is a common point of confusion. The NEC code book (NFPA 70) focuses on the safe installation of electrical systems. The requirements for safe work practices around electrical equipment, including the use of energized work permits and job safety planning, are covered in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, which employers use to develop safe work procedures.