What should be done before installing grounds on a conductor?

Before installing grounds on a conductor, testing for voltage is essential to ensure safety. This process confirms that the conductor does not have an electrical charge that could pose a risk of shock or arc flash during installation. By using appropriate testing equipment, a lineman can verify the absence of voltage, ensuring that the area is safe to work in. This step is a critical safety measure and a standard procedure in electrical work, where the presence of voltage can lead to severe injuries or fatalities if not addressed prior to grounding.

Cleaning the area and checking for continuity also play important roles in preparation before working with electrical components, but they do not directly assess the immediate danger of working on a live conductor. Grounding itself should only be done after confirming there is no voltage present, reinforcing the importance of testing first.