Before work can be completed on deenergized cable, how many conductors should be tested?

Testing conductors before working on deenergized cable is a critical safety procedure to ensure that no live current is present, which could pose a serious risk to linemen and other workers. The correct choice emphasizes the importance of verifying that multiple conductors are deenergized, as it is common for cables to contain multiple conductors that may be energized differently.

By testing at least two conductors, workers can confirm that any phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground issues have been identified, which enhances safety by ensuring that the necessary precautions are taken. It also helps in detecting any potential faults that may not be apparent if only one conductor is tested.

If there are only two conductors present, testing both makes sense for confirming that neither is energized. In situations with three or more conductors, testing at least two can provide a clear indication of the system's overall status and prevent any accidental energization from affecting a worker's safety.

Therefore, the requirement to test at least two conductors balances thoroughness in safety checks with practicality in various cable configurations, supporting a safer working environment for linemen.