Tyndale's NFPA 70E Made Easy:

130.3 – The Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP)

Previously: 130.2; updated in 2027 to version 130.3.

70E Video Training Hub

NFPA 70E 130.3 details the Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP). This permit is mandatory when  equipment cannot be placed into an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC). The EEWP ensures that all necessary precautions and safety measures are in place before any work is performed. Failure to adhere to the guidelines in Section 130.3 has led to numerous accidents and fatalities, underscoring the critical importance of this safety step.

Section 130.3 (A) specifies when an EEWP is required. An EEWP must be documented and issued when work is performed as permitted in accordance with 110.2(B) under any of the following conditions:

  1. When work is performed within the restricted approach boundary.
  2. When the employee interacts with equipment where conductors or circuit parts are not exposed, but there is an increased likelihood of injury from an arc flash hazard.

The term “interacts” in Step 2 is particularly important. A common question from those working energized is, “Do I need to wear PPE to operate a circuit breaker?” This interaction indeed requires consideration of PPE to ensure safety.

According to 110.2B, there are seven conditions that define a “normal” operating condition. All seven conditions must be met for an individual to be exempt from wearing PPE. If any of these conditions are not met, PPE is required. For more information on these conditions, refer to 110.2B: When an Electrically Safe Work Condition is Required.

When performing justified energized work, an EEWP must be completed.  Below are the nine steps which are the minimum standard for the EEWP. However, many companies, including those Jason has worked with, expand on the EEWP to tailor it to each specific job location and the tasks performed there.

What is required for the Elements of Work Permit?

Elements of Work Permit. The work permit shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:

  1. Description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and their location. This must be specific and exact, including physical locations, circuit numbers, etc.

  2. Description of the work to be performed. Detailed documentation is important to ensure that all steps are noted as missed steps can be dangerous and lead to accidents.

  3. Justification for why the work must be performed in an energized condition. Most work does not justify working energized. Inconvenience or hassle is not a sufficient reason. For example, choosing not to shut off a panel to install a breaker because you think it may affect a server room, is not valid justification.

  4. Description of the safe work practices to be employed. This could include citing specific policies or procedures for your current repair, noting signage or specific tools needed to safely complete the task, or referencing a Toolbox (TB) Talk, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), or Tailgate meeting.

  5. Results of the electric shock risk assessment.

    • a. Voltage to which personnel will be exposed.
    • b. Limited approach boundary.
    • c. Restricted approach boundary.
    • d. Personal and other protective equipment required by this standard to safely perform the assigned risk task and to protect against the electric shock hazard.

  6. Results of the arc flash risk assessment.

    • a. Available incident energy at the working distance or arc flash PPE category.
    • b. Personal and other protective equipment required by this standard to protect against the arc flash hazard.
    • c. Arc flash boundary.

  7. Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified persons from the work area. Describe how you will keep unqualified individuals out of the work area.

  8. Evidence of completion of a job briefing, including a discussion of any job-specific hazards. Include details and signatures from the job briefing, specifically discussing any job-specific hazards. Documentation is crucial; OSHA prioritizes written records over verbal assurances.

  9. Energized work approval (authorizing or responsible management, safety officer, or owner, etc.) signature(s). A supervisor must sign off on the task. In many instances, this requirement reduces the situations you would work energized because the supervisor realizes the magnitude of what their signature means for the specific task. As a reminder, the employer is required to demonstrate that de-energization poses a greater safety risk.

Furthermore, 130.3C outlines four exceptions to the EEWP. Step one applies in every instance of lockout/tagout (LOTO) and repairing equipment:

Exemptions to Work Permit. Electrical work shall be permitted without an energized work permit if a qualified person is provided with and uses appropriate safe work practices and PPE in accordance with Chapter 1 under any of the following conditions:

  1. Testing, troubleshooting, or voltage measuring.
  2. Thermography, ultrasound, or visual inspections if the restricted approach boundary is not crossed.
  3. Access to and egress from an area with energized electrical equipment if no electrical work is performed and the restricted approach boundary is not crossed.
  4. General housekeeping and miscellaneous non-electrical tasks if the restricted approach boundary is not crossed.

Step one states that when you are performing LOTO, you must verify the voltage is dead using a “Live Dead Live” test, as outlined in step seven of 120.6. For this procedure, a signed EEWP is not required. However, you must wear shock PPE if the voltage exceeds 50V, and arc flash PPE if required by the task or an incident energy analysis.

An EEWP is a great option for any situation involving the risk of injury from exposed electricity. Jason will cover more steps listed in 130.3 in future episodes.

Tune into the next episode, which covers section 130.4 on the electric shock risk assessment.

Tyndale’s "NFPA 70E Made Easy" video series – hosted by Jason Brozen, Tyndale’s Lead Corporate Safety and Technical Trainer, a 28-year Master Electrician and an NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP) – makes electrical safety accessible and understandable for all. The series delves into the intricacies of NFPA 70E, a vital tool since 1979 for establishing practical and safe workplaces. Recognizing its significance, we’ve created an entire educational resource hub dedicated to this essential standard, offering comprehensive insights and guidance.

Important Disclaimer

The content provided is for informational purposes only. We strive for accuracy, however, make no representations about completeness, reliability, or suitability and are not liable for loss or damage arising from use. By accessing this information, you agree to these terms.