Red Seal Construction Electrician Practice Exam

What safety measure should always be taken before working on a live circuit?

1. Wear insulated gloves

2. Use a multimeter to measure voltage

3. De-energize the circuit and verify with a voltmeter

4. Notify nearby personnel

The correct answer is: De-energize the circuit and verify with a voltmeter

De-energizing the circuit and verifying with a voltmeter is a critical safety measure that must always be taken before working on a live circuit. Working on a live circuit places an electrician at significant risk of electrical shock, burns, or other injuries. By de-energizing the circuit, the electrician eliminates the risk of accidental electrical contact. Once the circuit is de-energized, verifying with a voltmeter is essential to ensure that there is no residual voltage present. This verification step confirms that the circuit is truly safe to work on. It's not sufficient to simply trust that the de-energization has worked; verification adds an important layer of safety. While wearing insulated gloves, using a multimeter to measure voltage, and notifying nearby personnel are all important safety practices, they do not replace the need to first de-energize and verify that the circuit is safe. These methods can help minimize risk during live work, but they cannot ensure safety without the critical step of ensuring the circuit is dead.