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715 Electrical Safety for Technicians and Supervisors
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Working on Live Circuits

Introduction

Working on live circuits means actually touching energized parts.

Working near live circuits is required during testing.

Working near live circuits means working close enough to energized parts to put you at risk even though you may be working on de-energized parts.

Common tasks where you need to work on or near live circuits include:

  • taking voltage and current measurements;
  • opening and closing disconnects and circuit breakers;
  • racking circuit breakers on and off the bus;
  • removing panels and dead fronts; and
  • opening electric equipment doors for inspection.

There should be standard written procedures and training for these common tasks. For instance, when opening and closing disconnects, use the left-hand rule when possible (stand to the right side of equipment with a disconnect on the right, and operate the disconnect with your left hand).

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

8-1. Taking voltage and current measurements is an example of _____.