Good Afternoon,

June's NYECA Safety Resource focuses on the importance of voltage testing. Electrical work presents hazards that cannot always be seen. One of the most effective ways to prevent electrical shock, arc flash incidents and fatalities is proper voltage testing. Every year, workers are injured or killed after assuming equipment was de-energized when hazardous voltage was still present. Voltage testing is a critical step in establishing an electrically safe work condition and ensuring everyone returns home safely.

Why Voltage Testing Matters

Before any electrical work begins, employers and workers must verify that equipment has been de-energized. Lockout/Tagout procedures are essential, but they are only part of the process. Voltage testing confirms that energy has actually been isolated and that no hazardous voltage remains.

Proper voltage testing helps:

• Prevent electrical shock and electrocution.
• Reduce the risk of arc flash and arc blast incidents.
• Verify the effectiveness of Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Identify backfeeds, induced voltages, or wiring errors.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and NFPA 70E requirements.

The “Test Before Touch” Principle

NFPA 70E requires employers and workers to establish an electrically safe work condition by:

1. Identifying all potential sources of electrical energy.
2. Interrupting the load current and opening disconnecting devices.
3. Applying Lockout/Tagout devices.
4. Releasing stored electrical energy.
5. Verifying the absence of voltage using an adequately rated test instrument.

Remember the three-step testing process:

Test the tester

Test the circuit

Test the tester again

This process confirms that the meter is functioning properly both before and after the voltage verification.

Common Voltage Testing Mistakes

Avoid these common errors:

• Assuming equipment is de-energized because a breaker is open.
• Using a meter that is not properly rated for the voltage level.
• Failing to verify meter operation before and after testing.
• Not wearing the required PPE during voltage verification.
• Relying solely on non-contact voltage testers when direct verification is required.

Selecting the Right Test Equipment

When performing voltage testing:

• Use test instruments rated for the environment and voltage level.
• Inspect meters and test leads before each use.
• Follow manufacturer instructions.
• Ensure test equipment meets applicable CAT ratings.
• Remove damaged equipment from service immediately.

Safety Takeaway

Voltage testing is not just a best practice—it’s a lifesaving habit. Every electrical worker should approach each task with the mindset that conductors and equipment are energized until proven otherwise. Taking a few extra moments to properly verify the absence of voltage can prevent serious injuries, fatalities, and costly incidents.

Before you touch, test. Before you trust, verify. A properly executed voltage test may be the most important task you perform all day.

Resources

NECA Guide to Test Instruments

Controlling Electrical Hazards

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

NIOSH

There are several more toolbox talks on this topic in the Safety Meeting app.

Nominate your Company for the inaugural NYECA Safety Awards. Submissions will be due August 31, 2026.

We encourage anyone interested in participating in the NYECA Safety Committee to reach out to evangelista@nyeca.org.

If you have any questions, you may reach out to the Association Office.

Thank You.