Deenergizes

Deenergizes is the third-person singular present tense of the verb deenergize, meaning to remove electrical power or energy from a circuit, component, or system so that it cannot operate or pose a hazard. In electrical work, deenergizing is the initial step in safely performing maintenance, testing, or repair. While the term is most often used in relation to electrical energy, it can also refer to removing other forms of energy stored in or supplied to equipment, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, or mechanical energy, that could drive motion or store hazardous energy.

Procedures for deenergizing typically involve identifying all energy sources, isolating them from the equipment, applying lockout/tagout devices, and verifying zero energy before work begins. Verification is usually performed with calibrated test equipment and sometimes by a second person. Residual or stored energy—charged capacitors, springs, or elevated fluids—must be released or blocked to prevent unexpected re-energization. Deenergizing must be documented and followed by anti-reenergization controls to ensure the equipment cannot be accidentally energized during maintenance.

Regulatory context: Deenergizing is central to electrical safety programs. In the United States, standards such as NFPA 70E and OSHA's lockout/tagout requirements (29 CFR 1910.147) guide how workers should deenergize and lock out equipment. Similar guidelines exist in other jurisdictions.

Spelling variants include de-energize (US) and de-energise (British English).