True or False: When working a de-energized primary line, grounding and short-circuiting at the work location must be maintained until completion; if not practical, protective grounds may be placed downstream of the source.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only for certain circuits

Answer: (B)

When you work on a de-energized primary line, the protection you set up is to ground and short-circuit at the work location so the line is at a safe potential and any stored energy is rapidly dissipated. This creates a defined, low-impedance path to earth right where you are working, which is essential for worker safety.

Claiming that if you can’t keep the grounding and short-circuiting at the exact work spot you can place protective grounds downstream of the source is not correct. Placing the ground downstream would not reliably protect the worker because energy could still be present or reappear on the line relative to the work zone, defeating the purpose of establishing a local ground. In other words, protective grounding must be as close to the work area as practical, and using a downstream ground does not meet that requirement.

So the statement is false. If a local ground isn’t feasible, work should be stopped or alternative safety measures coordinated with the system operator to ensure the area remains safe.