What is the purpose of placing a jumper across a live conductor before making a cut?

• A. Installing a jumper across an open point will keep the current flowing
• B. It keeps the potential across the cut at zero volts
• C. It protects the lineman
• D. All the above

Answer: (D)

Shorting the gap with a jumper creates a low-impedance path around the opening, so the two sides of the point remain at the same electrical potential. This serves three connected purposes. First, it keeps current flow through the line intact by bypassing the opening, so the circuit remains energized downstream rather than collapsing at the cut. Second, it reduces the voltage difference across the cut, keeping the exposed ends near zero volts and preventing a dangerous arc or shock when the worker makes the cut. Third, it enhances safety by containing energy in the jumper path and minimizing arcing or unexpected energization at the work site. For all these reasons, using a jumper across the live point is a protective practice that addresses both the electrical behavior of the line and the lineman’s safety.