What minimum approach distance governs safe entry near exposed energized parts, and how is it determined?

• A. Higher voltage means smaller distance.
• B. Distance depends on voltage class and is defined by NFPA 70E tables; it increases with higher voltage.
• C. Distance is fixed for all equipment.
• D. Distance is only determined by tool length.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that safe entry near exposed energized parts is governed by a minimum approach distance that is set by the voltage class of the equipment. NFPA 70E provides tables that map voltage ranges to the required minimum approach distance. As the voltage increases, the potential arc energy and shock risk rise, so the minimum distance increases to keep you out of harm’s way. To determine it, you identify the system’s voltage class and look up the corresponding minimum approach distance in the NFPA 70E tables for the task and conditions you're working under. It isn’t fixed for all equipment, nor is it determined by tool length, and the rule isn’t that higher voltage means a smaller distance.