nonenergized

Nonenergized is an adjective used to describe electrical equipment, circuits, or components that are not supplied with electrical energy at a particular time. In practical terms, a nonenergized device is one that has been de-energized or physically isolated from its power source, and is intended to be worked on without live current present. The term is less common in everyday language than de-energized or unenergized, but appears in technical manuals, safety procedures, and equipment labels.

Distinctions: De-energized generally refers to removal of energy from a system, while nonenergized emphasizes the absence of energy at the moment, potentially after isolation but before testing. Equipment may be described as nonenergized during maintenance, testing, or storage to reflect its status.

Safety and procedures: Before work on nonenergized equipment, employers typically implement a lockout/tagout program and verify the absence of voltage using approved testing methods such as a temporary power-off, testing with a calibrated voltage tester, and grounding where appropriate. Even when nonenergized, circuits can retain stored energy in capacitors or be subject to induced voltage; proper verification is essential.

Contexts and labeling: Nonenergized is commonly used in electrical documentation, switchgear labeling, and training materials. It can apply to power lines, panels, control circuits, or components that have been disconnected from supplies.

See also: de-energization, unenergized, lockout-tagout, NFPA 70E, OSHA safety standards.