Which safety measure is essential when working with electrical systems?

When working with electrical systems, the essential safety measure is to always disconnect power before beginning any work. This principle is foundational for preventing electrical shock, injury, or potentially fatal accidents. By ensuring that the power supply is completely turned off, you create a safe environment where you can carry out your maintenance or repairs without the risk of being electrocuted due to live wires or energized components.

Disconnecting power also allows you to work on electrical systems without worrying about unexpected surges of electricity that could occur if the system were inadvertently turned back on. Additionally, establishing a lockout/tagout procedure is a best practice associated with this safety measure, further ensuring that the equipment remains de-energized during maintenance.

While using safety goggles, wearing insulated gloves, and checking for voltage are all important safety practices in their own right, they do not substitute for the crucial step of disconnecting power. Each of these measures addresses specific aspects of safety but does not eliminate the inherent risks associated with working on live electrical systems. Therefore, the most critical measure remains the disconnection of power before commencing any work.