What does the term 'de-energized' mean in electrical safety?

The term 'de-energized' in electrical safety refers to a state where the equipment is not only turned off but also rendered safe for maintenance or other activities. When equipment is described as de-energized, it indicates that there is no electrical power present, and appropriate safety measures have been taken to ensure that no accidental re-energization can occur. This is crucial for protecting workers from electrical hazards during maintenance or repairs.

While simply turning off equipment might seem sufficient, it may still hold residual energy or could accidentally be powered on again. True de-energization involves additional steps, such as locking out or tagging out the equipment to prevent it from being inadvertently energized, ensuring a safe working environment.

In terms of the other options, simply turning equipment off does not guarantee safety, as issues like stored energy could still pose a risk. Equipment functioning without issues does not address the aspect of safety in the context of electrical work. Covers for protection do not equate to being de-energized, as the equipment may still contain live electrical parts. Thus, de-energized specifically emphasizes both the lack of electrical power and the implementation of safety measures.