Consensus standards and exposure limits
NFPA 70E 2027 adds a second-person rule
NFPA lists the 2027 edition of NFPA 70E as current. Its headline change, new section 130.2(A)(2), requires an additional person trained in contact release whenever justified energized work needs a permit and PPE, standing outside the limited approach or arc flash boundary.
On your exam?
Not yet: the exam still tests the prior rule
BCSP's reference lists date from 2021. Approach boundaries, energized work permits and arc flash PPE are tested; the 2027 second-person rule is too new to be.
Judged against ASP11, CSP11 and CHST5, the outlines in effect on October 16, 2026.
- Status
- New edition published
- From
- NFPA
- Last checked
- October 16, 2026
Key dates
- June 11, 2026NFPA explains the new additional-person requirement
The new requirement
Section 130.2(A)(2) applies when both are true:
- the justified energized work requires an energized electrical work permit, and
- the risk assessment calls for PPE.
Then at least one additional person must be present. NFPA says that person must be trained in methods of contact release and must stay outside the limited approach boundary or the arc flash boundary, whichever is greater, while observing the work. The point is immediate emergency response if the worker is injured.
For the exam
OSHA's electrical rules (1910.331 to 1910.335) haven't changed. Know de-energizing first, approach boundaries, the energized electrical work permit and arc flash PPE selection.
Practice what's tested now
Sources
- NFPA: NFPA 70E, current edition 2027
- NFPA: Understanding the new two-person requirement for justified energized work (June 2026)
Published October 16, 2026. Last checked against these sources October 16, 2026. Something out of date? Email hello@passcited.com.