What does 'rendered inoperative' refer to in terms of electric circuits?

The term 'rendered inoperative' specifically refers to the process of disabling electric circuits to the extent that they cannot be energized. This means that no electrical current can flow through the circuit, ensuring that it is completely safe for maintenance or other activities. Disabling circuits involves taking steps such as de-energizing and locking out the power supply, ensuring that the circuit cannot be unintentionally activated.

In contrast, making circuits appear shut down does not guarantee that they are actually safe to work on, as they may still be live or connected to a power source. Disconnecting circuits temporarily might not involve sufficient safety measures to guarantee that they are fully disabled. Altering the circuit configuration could involve changes that still allow for potential energization, making it unsafe for personnel working on the circuit. Therefore, the precise definition of 'rendered inoperative' aligns closely with the idea of disabling circuits completely to prevent any possibility of energization, which is crucial in maintaining electrical safety.