Red Seal Powerline Technician Practice Exam

What does the term "de-energize" mean in electrical work?

1. To reduce voltage for safety

2. To reconnect the power supply

3. To disconnect the power supply and ensure that lines are not live

4. To temporarily turn off the circuit breakers

The correct answer is: To disconnect the power supply and ensure that lines are not live

The term "de-energize" refers specifically to the process of disconnecting the power supply to electrical lines or equipment, ensuring that they are not live and safe to work on. This is a critical step in electrical work because it minimizes the risk of electrical shock or other hazards while technicians conduct their tasks. De-energizing involves not just turning off switches or circuit breakers but also ensuring that all safety protocols are followed, thus confirming that there is no electrical energy present in the equipment or lines being worked on. This action is foundational to ensuring the safety of workers and the integrity of the electrical system. In the context of the other options, reducing voltage does not equate to fully de-energizing the system, as voltage may still be present and pose a danger. Reconnecting the power supply is the opposite of what de-energizing entails, while temporarily turning off circuit breakers may not guarantee that the lines are truly safe, as they could still have residual energy or be affected by other circuits. Therefore, the correct understanding of "de-energize" is directly associated with the complete disconnection of the power supply and ensuring that lines are not live.