Red Seal Industrial Electrician Practice Exam

Which safety devices should be used when working on live electrical equipment?

1. Plastic gloves and basic tools

2. Rubber gloves and insulated tools

3. Wooden ladders and aluminum tools

4. Regular clothing and metal tools

The correct answer is: Rubber gloves and insulated tools

Using rubber gloves and insulated tools when working on live electrical equipment is essential for maintaining safety. Rubber gloves are specifically designed to provide electrical insulation, which protects the wearer from electric shock. These gloves are tested and rated for particular voltage levels, ensuring that they can withstand the electric potential present in live circuits. Insulated tools complement the use of rubber gloves by ensuring that any tools in contact with live electrical conductors do not conduct electricity, thereby preventing accidental shock or arc flash incidents. These tools often have a non-conductive coating or are made from materials that do not permit electricity to flow through them, providing an additional layer of safety when performing electrical work. In contrast, other safety devices mentioned in the other choices lack the necessary protective features. For instance, plastic gloves do not provide adequate insulation against electricity, and basic tools without insulation can lead to hazardous situations when coming into contact with live conductors. Wooden ladders might be non-conductive, but the use of aluminum tools poses a significant risk, as aluminum is a conductive material. Additionally, regular clothing and metal tools do not offer any protection against electrical hazards and actually increase the risk of severe injury when working on live equipment.