What does it mean if a piece of equipment has a "dead front"?

A piece of equipment described as having a "dead front" means that it has no live parts exposed to a person on the operating side. This design feature is crucial for safety, as it helps prevent accidental contact with electrically charged components, reducing the risk of electric shock for users who operate or interact with the equipment.

The "dead front" construction typically involves barriers or enclosures that protect users from making direct contact with live terminals or circuits while still allowing access for operation or maintenance. This is particularly significant in settings where personnel might normally be required to work near or with electrical equipment, ensuring that safety standards are upheld.

The other options do not accurately capture the primary characteristic defined by "dead front." While a piece of equipment being inoperable, requiring maintenance, or being mounted on a wall are all possible scenarios, they do not specifically address the critical safety aspect associated with the term "dead front." This term is fundamentally tied to the protection of individuals from exposed live parts, making option B the most relevant and correct answer.