An effective hold order must include the use of which components?

An effective hold order is a crucial aspect of safety measures in electrical work environments, specifically in ensuring that equipment is de-energized and cannot be inadvertently activated while maintenance or inspection is taking place. The correct components that must be included are disconnecting devices and hold cards.

Disconnecting devices are essential because they provide a physical means of isolating electrical equipment from its power source. This ensures that the equipment is completely de-energized, safeguarding workers during maintenance tasks. Meanwhile, hold cards serve as important documentation to communicate that a hold order is in place, indicating to all personnel that the equipment should not be operated until the hold order is lifted. These cards often specify the reason for the hold and may require acknowledgment by personnel, hence enhancing safety and accountability.

The other choices, while they may have their own roles in electrical systems, do not specifically address the critical components necessary for implementing a hold order effectively. Switches and voltage regulators, smart meters and relays, or backup systems and fuses do not directly contribute to ensuring that a hold order is properly executed and maintained from a safety compliance standpoint. Therefore, disconnecting devices and hold cards are the vital components for ensuring an effective hold order.