Overhead power lines must always be considered energized until __________.

• A. Electrical Utility Indicates Otherwise
• B. The Line Is De-Energized
• C. A Permit Is Issued
• D. The Crane Is Moved Away

Answer: (A)

Hazards from overhead lines require treating them as live until you receive explicit clearance that they’re de-energized. The safest practice is to assume the lines are energized and to wait for the electrical utility to confirm they’re de-energized and properly grounded for the work. Only the utility can provide this confirmation and lockout, so relying on a permit, moving the crane, or hoping the line is de-energized without that official clearance is not safe. Once the utility indicates otherwise, you can proceed with approved procedures and maintain the required clearance distance.

Other options don’t provide the same level of safety: a permit alone doesn’t guarantee actual de-energization, physically moving the crane doesn’t ensure the lines are safe to work near, and assuming de-energization without utility confirmation is risky.