Live Working

Live working is a method of maintaining, repairing or building electrical structures or installations while maintaining electrical voltage and complying with worker safety rules. When applied to public networks, this work method enables us to maintain the distribution of electrical energy. It requires compliance with rigorous procedures, the use of specially designed tools and equipment, and the training, monitoring and empowerment of personnel. This article explains these principles, in line with the different regulations applicable to electrical power distribution and transmission facilities and electrical installations. It should be noted that, for public networks, the use of the live working method is left to the discretion of the site manager, whereas for private electrical installations, the rule is to remove the voltage, and only when this is impossible or dangerous is the live working method allowed.

The original text dates back to 1985, was first revised in 2013, and the current revision has been made necessary by regulatory changes.

However, we would like to thank the previous authors who paved the way for future editors. Let us pay tribute to them for having anticipated the possibilities of the new techniques that are gradually emerging.

The fundamental principles are still the same, only the methods have evolved and the performance of the new materials has been enhanced.