What is a recommended practice when working with electrical systems?

Disconnecting power before working on electrical systems is a crucial safety practice that helps prevent electric shock and protects both the worker and the system being serviced. Before starting any electrical work, it's essential to ensure that the circuit is de-energized. This involves shutting off the power at the circuit breaker or disconnect, and verifying that there is no voltage present using appropriate testing equipment. By doing this, the risk of accidental electrocution or injury due to unexpected re-energization of the circuit is significantly minimized.

Other practices, while they might seem reasonable, do not enhance safety effectively. For example, though working alone may seem beneficial to avoid distractions, it can increase the risk in emergencies where immediate assistance is required. Always using one hand when working is a technique that some professionals adopt to reduce the risk of creating a complete circuit through the body, but it's not a replacement for other safety protocols such as disconnecting power. Removing personal protective equipment (PPE) when feeling uncomfortable contradicts the purpose of PPE in ensuring safety against exposure to harmful elements in the work environment. Therefore, consistently disconnecting power remains the most reliable method to ensure safety when working with electrical systems.