Absence of voltage test

Data records

• An absence-of-voltage test is the verification, made with a test instrument rated for the application, that no voltage is present on each conductor or circuit part at the point of work before the part is treated as de-energized; the instrument is proven on a known voltage source before and after the test. Source: Electrical Testing Reference editorial taxonomy, 2026-10 edition. Verified 2026-10-27. Record gloss.absence-of-voltage-test.definition
• Clause 120.5(B)(6) of NFPA 70E-2027 makes the test an element of every lockout/tagout procedure: the procedure names the instrument, the protective equipment and the person who verifies the instrument, every exposed part inside the boundary of the electrically safe work condition is tested before it is touched, and the test is repeated when circuit conditions change or the job location has been left unattended. Source: NFPA 70E-2027, clause 120.5(B)(6). Verified 2026-10-27. Record gloss.absence-of-voltage-test.nfpa70e.procedure-element
• Step seven of clause 120.6 of NFPA 70E-2027 requires the test with a portable instrument rated for the application on each phase conductor or circuit part at each point of work, phase to phase and phase to ground, the instrument verified on a known voltage source before and after; its exceptions allow a permanently mounted absence-of-voltage tester that meets four listed conditions and a noncontact capacitive instrument on systems above the voltage the exception states, and require additional test methods where the voltage test alone does not confirm de-energization. Source: NFPA 70E-2027, clause 120.6(7). Verified 2026-10-27. Record gloss.absence-of-voltage-test.nfpa70e.step-7