1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B): Disconnecting Circuits Before Electrical Work
Circuits and equipment to be worked on must be disconnected from all electric energy sources. Control circuit devices like push buttons, selector switches and interlocks may not be the only means of deenergizing, and interlocks may not replace lockout and tagging procedures.
Key takeaways
- 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $67,973 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (2), FL (2), GA (1).
- 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)(B) is one requirement inside 1910.333 Selection and use of work practices, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart S). 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
(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. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.333.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B).
At 1:00 p.m. on September 9, 2024, Employee #1 was replacing an electrical disconnect cabinet at the IMP screw machine in the mixing plant. During the task, Employee #1 came into contact with a live 110-volt wire. The electrical contact resulted in electrocution. Emergency medical…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: VA (2), FL (2), GA (1), MD (1), NV (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC. | MANASSAS, VA | $16,285 |
| HIRSCH ELECTRIC LLC | FAIRFAX, VA | $10,763 |
| GEO PREP MID-CITY, INC. | BATON ROUGE, LA | $10,000 |
| UNITED PARCEL SERVICE, INC. | COMMERCE CITY, CO | $9,930 |
| K&H PRECISION PRODUCTS, INC. | HONEOYE FALLS, NY | $7,500 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.333(b)(2)(ii)(B), 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)(B).
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)(ii) Deenergizing equipment 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)(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 selector switch be used to deenergize equipment for work?
Not as the sole means. Control circuit devices may not be used as the sole means for deenergizing.
Can interlocks replace lockout and tagout?
No. Interlocks may not be used as a substitute for lockout and tagging procedures.
What must be disconnected?
The circuits and equipment to be worked on, from all electric energy sources.
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.