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4 WHITE PAPER — VeriSafe
™
– Safely Testing for Absence of Voltage
Testing for Absence of Voltage Using a
Hand-held Device
Verifying the absence of voltage is part of the process to establish an
electrically safe work condition. Even after de-energizing equipment and
following lockout/tagout procedures, workers must treat equipment as if it
is energized until proven otherwise. The process to verify that equipment is
de-energized is described in NFPA 70E. Traditionally, this process involves
the use of a portable, hand-held voltage test instrument, but another
option is presented in the latest edition of NFPA 70E.
According to Step 7 of NFPA 70E-2018 Article 120.5:
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Use an adequately rated portable test instrument to test each phase
conductor or circuit part to verify it is de-energized. Test each phase
conductor or circuit part both phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground.
Before and after each test, determine that the test instrument
is operating satisfactorily through verication on any known
voltage source.
Exception No. 1: An adequately rated permanently mounted test
device shall be permitted to be used to verify the absence of voltage
of the conductors or circuit parts at the work location, provided it
meets the following requirements: (1) It is permanently mounted and
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and tests
the conductors and circuit parts at the point of work; (2) It is listed
and labeled for the purpose of verifying absence of voltage;
(3) It tests each phase conductor or circuit part both phase-to-phase
and phase-to-ground; (4) The test device is veried as operating
satisfactorily onany known voltage source before and after verifying
the absence of voltage.
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Limitations of Portable Testers
Using portable, hand-held testers requires workers to be exposed to
electrical hazards when testing for voltage and when verifying that the
tester is operating before and after the test. When performed properly,
this process can be very effective; however, any deviation from the
process or improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can
put worker safety at risk.
Wear and Tear
Portable hand-held voltage testers are susceptible to mechanical and
electrical failure and worker misuse. Workers must regularly inspect hand-
held voltage testers to guard against failure from wear, the impact of being
dropped, and the harsh environment of the factory oor.
Risky Business: Potential Electrical
Hazards Exist When Performing
Absence of Voltage Testing
TEST THE TESTER
CHECK THE VOLTAGE
RE-TEST THE TESTER
TRADITIONAL METHOD
Determining absence of voltage with
hand-held testers presents a risk of
exposure to electrical hazards
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Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace 2018 Edition, NFPA 70E, 2018.