Under what conditions is live work permitted according to NFPA 70E?

Live work is permitted according to NFPA 70E when circuit de-energization is impossible. This provision addresses safety concerns, emphasizing that in situations where it is not feasible to de-energize equipment—such as when the equipment serves critical systems that must remain operational—certain measures can be taken. Live work should only be performed after a thorough risk assessment, and appropriate safety protocols must be implemented to protect employees from electrical hazards.

The reasoning behind allowing live work under these specific circumstances stems from the need to maintain operational integrity while ensuring that safety procedures are followed. Workers must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow all safety guidelines to minimize the risks involved with working on energized equipment. This condition acknowledges real-world scenarios where total shutdowns can be impractical or unsafe, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations even in these situations.