What must you confirm about both sides before phasing lines?

Before phasing lines, it is crucial to confirm that both sides are energized. This step is necessary because phasing involves ensuring that electrical lines are operating with synchronized phases to avoid issues like phase conflicts, which can lead to equipment damage or safety hazards. Ensuring both lines are energized allows for a correct assessment of their phase relationships, enabling linemen to correctly identify critical information about load balancing and voltage levels to maintain system stability.

While grounding, insulation, and earthing are important aspects of electrical safety, they do not specifically relate to the process of phasing lines. Grounding and earthing typically pertain to the safety measures taken to protect personnel and equipment from fault currents and ensure effective operation of protective devices. Insulation is about preventing unintended electrical contact, and while having both sides insulated is essential for safety, it does not directly pertain to the phasing process itself. Therefore, confirming that both sides are energized is the key action needed for proper phasing verification.