Power lines are always presumed what?

• A. De-energized
• B. Energized
• C. Isolated
• D. Unknown

Answer: (B)

Power lines are treated as energized at all times because they can still carry voltage even when they seem off. Energy can remain present due to backfeed from other circuits, stored energy in the system, or incomplete de-energization at the source. Because of these risks, workers must assume the lines are energized and maintain safe clearances until proper testing and lockout/tagout procedures confirm they are truly de-energized. This is why the correct understanding is that power lines are energized. De-energized or isolated would only be correct if you could guarantee no voltage is present, which isn’t reliably possible in this context, and labeling the status as unknown isn’t safe.