Until determined otherwise, how should all electrical equipment and conductors be treated?

The approach to treating all electrical equipment and conductors until determined otherwise is based on the necessity to prioritize safety and risk management in electrical work. Treating electrical equipment and conductors as energized emphasizes the importance of assuming that there is a potential risk associated with them. This mindset ensures that appropriate safety measures are taken to protect workers from shock, arc flash, and other hazards associated with live electrical components.

By operating under the assumption that equipment is energized, electricians are required to follow strict safety protocols, use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and employ lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures prior to working on any equipment. This approach minimizes the likelihood of accidents and injuries that could occur if someone were to treat equipment as safe or de-energized without verification.

Furthermore, this principle reflects standard practices in the electrical industry, which mandate that all electrical equipment should be treated as though it carries a hazard until proven otherwise through testing and verification. Hence, assuming the equipment is energized fosters a culture of caution and reinforces compliance with safety regulations, ultimately aiming to protect both workers and equipment from unforeseen dangers.