What safety practice should be followed before working on electrical circuits?

The practice of always de-energizing and testing the circuit for voltage is critical for safety when working on electrical circuits. This procedure ensures that there is no electrical power running through the circuit before any work begins, significantly reducing the risk of electric shock or injury. It is essential to not only turn off the power but also verify with a suitable voltage tester that the circuit is indeed de-energized. This step confirms that the voltage is absent, providing assurance that the circuit is safe to work on.

Wearing insulated gloves is a good safety measure but does not replace the importance of confirming the circuit is de-energized. While wearing gloves protects against accidental contact with live components, the foremost safety rule is to ensure that the electricity is turned off. Using metal tools for precision can pose significant risks when working with live circuits, as metal conducts electricity; thus, this practice may lead to hazardous situations. Ensuring that all circuit breakers are in the off position is also advisable, but it can give a false sense of security if not tested. Therefore, the practice of verifying the absence of voltage stands out as the most crucial step in ensuring safety when dealing with electrical circuits.