What should you always do before working on a live circuit?

Prioritizing safety in electrical work is of utmost importance, and the most effective way to ensure your personal safety and the safety of others is to disconnect the power supply before starting any work on a circuit. By turning off the power at the circuit breaker or removing fuses, you eliminate the risk of electrical shock and create a safer work environment. Once the power is disconnected, you can safely perform maintenance or repairs without the immediate danger of electric shock.

Other good safety practices, such as checking voltage with a multimeter, wearing safety goggles, and using insulated gloves, are indeed important, but they come after ensuring that the circuit is de-energized. If the power is still on, even the best safety gear can't protect you from potential electrical hazards. This makes disconnecting the power supply the essential first step before proceeding with any work on a live circuit.