1. n. [Perforating]

A procedure imposed during perforating operations in which radios at or near the wellsite are switched off to prevent accidental detonation of perforating guns. Radio silence is required for wireline operations when using a non-radio-safe detonator. It is typically imposed when rigging up perforating guns and until the guns have been run in the hole to 200 ft [61 m] below ground level or mud line. Radio silence is imposed again when retrieving the gun system as it passes the 200-ft mark. Radio silence must be maintained until it has been confirmed that all charges have been shot. This practice is not required when radio-safe detonators are used, but is common practice at many wellsites.