1910.333(b)(2)(ii): Deenergizing Electrical Equipment
Employers must determine safe deenergizing procedures before work, and disconnect circuits and equipment from all electric energy sources. Control devices like push buttons, selector switches and interlocks cannot be the only means of deenergizing, stored electric energy that could endanger workers must be released, and stored non-electrical energy that could reenergize parts must be blocked or relieved.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 31 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $163,244 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (4), TX (3), FL (3).
- Related part: 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts (225 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.333(b)(2)(ii) ("Deenergizing equipment") is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). It includes 4 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(ii) Deenergizing equipment. 31 citations
(A) Safe procedures for deenergizing circuits and equipment shall be determined before circuits or equipment are deenergized. Open (b)(2)(ii)(a) 18 citations
(B) The circuits and equipment to be worked on shall be disconnected from all electric energy sources. Control circuit devices, such as push buttons, selector switches, and interlocks, may not be used as the sole means for deenergizing circuits or equipment. Interlocks for electric equipment may not be used as a substitute for lockout and tagging procedures. Open (b)(2)(ii)(b) 12 citations
(C) Stored electric energy which might endanger personnel shall be released. Capacitors shall be discharged and high capacitance elements shall be short-circuited and grounded, if the stored electric energy might endanger personnel.
If the capacitors or associated equipment are handled in meeting this requirement, they shall be treated as energized.
(D) Stored non-electrical energy in devices that could reenergize electric circuit parts shall be blocked or relieved to the extent that the circuit parts could not be accidentally energized by the device. Open (b)(2)(ii)(d) 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(b)(2)(ii).
At approximately 4:20 a.m. on February 25, 2025, Employee #1 was working on an AirTrain switch electrical panel, attempting to replace blown fuses. During the task, the employee came into contact with energized components and received a 600-volt electric shock. Employee #1 was fatally electrocuted.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Top states: VA (4), TX (3), FL (3), MD (2), NE (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALSTOM TRANSPORTATION USA INC. | NEWARK, NJ | $16,550 |
| MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. | MANASSAS, VA | $16,285 |
| LOS LUNAS, VILLAGE OF, PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT | LOS LUNAS, NM | $11,588 |
| NANKANI & SONS, INC. | CONROE, TX | $11,585 |
| PERDUE FARMS, LLC. | ACCOMAC, VA | $10,763 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(b)(2)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.333(b)(2)(ii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.333(b) Working on or near exposed deenergized parts 225 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2) Lockout and tagging 223 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(i) Procedures 61 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv) 31 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(B) 24 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii) Application of locks and tags 20 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(A) 18 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B) 12 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(v) Reenergizing equipment 4 citations
- 1910.333(b)(1) Application 2 citations
- 1910.333(b)(2)(iv)(A) 2 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Can a push button or interlock be used to deenergize?
Not as the sole means. Interlocks also may not be used as a substitute for lockout and tagging.
What about capacitors?
Capacitors must be discharged and high capacitance elements short-circuited and grounded if stored energy might endanger personnel, and they are treated as energized while handled.
When must deenergizing procedures be set?
Before circuits or equipment are deenergized.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.333 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.