What is the final step in taking an energized circuit out of service?

The final step in taking an energized circuit out of service is to connect the ground. This action ensures that any potential electrical energy remaining in the line is safely dissipated, preventing accidental energization and protecting both the workers and the equipment. Connecting the ground provides a path for any stray electrical current to flow safely to the earth, significantly reducing the risk of electrical shock or arc flash during maintenance activities.

While re-testing the tester on a known energized line is an important step in verifying the functionality of testing equipment, it is not the conclusion of the process of taking an energized circuit out of service. Ensuring all customers are notified is a crucial safety and operational consideration but does not directly relate to the physical disconnection and grounding of the circuit itself. Disconnecting the primary power source is a necessary step when taking the circuit out of service, but it occurs prior to connecting the ground to ensure safety once the circuit is confirmed de-energized. Thus, the best practice and final step in the process is to connect the ground.