Before starting work on an electrical system, which step is essential?

De-energizing the system is a crucial step that ensures the safety of all individuals who will be working on or near the electrical system. By removing the electrical energy from the system, the risk of electrical shock or injury is significantly minimized. This practice aligns with safety procedures and protocols that mandate that all electrical systems must be de-energized and properly locked out or tagged out before any work is initiated. This not only protects the workers but also ensures that equipment is safe to handle and maintain.

While other steps, such as documenting the project scope or conducting a site walkthrough, are important for project planning and efficiency, they do not take precedence over safety. Installing new equipment should also only occur once it has been verified that the systems are safe to work on. Safety is paramount in electrical work, and de-energizing the system is an essential foundational step that must always be followed.