What procedure should be performed to ensure a circuit is safely de-energized before beginning work?

The lockout/tagout procedure is essential for ensuring a circuit is safely de-energized before work begins. This procedure involves isolating the energy source of a circuit and locking it in the "off" position. By placing a lock on the disconnect switch or circuit breaker, along with a tag indicating that maintenance is in progress, it prevents accidental re-energization. This step is critical in promoting safety and ensuring that no one can inadvertently restore power while maintenance tasks are being performed.

While other options like fuse replacement or voltage detection can contribute to safety, they do not provide the comprehensive protection that the lockout/tagout procedure offers. Voltage detection is important for confirming whether a circuit is energized, but it does not prevent re-energization, which is what lockout/tagout effectively accomplishes. Grounding the circuit is also important but typically follows the lockout/tagout process to ensure that any residual voltage is safely discharged. Therefore, the lockout/tagout procedure is the best practice to ensure complete safety when working on electrical circuits.