What is the first action to verify that a circuit feeding a three-phase motor is de-energized?

• A. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
• B. Open disconnect device
• C. Identify flash protection and wear
• D. Turn off the equipment (load)

Answer: (D)

The first action to verify that a circuit feeding a three-phase motor is de-energized is to turn off the equipment (the load). Stopping the motor or control power removes the immediate energy source feeding the circuit, which is the essential first step to making the circuit safe to work on.

After the load is off, you would typically apply lockout/tagout to prevent any re-energization and then verify absence of voltage with proper testing before touching any conductors. PPE and identifying flash protection are important for safe work, but they do not de-energize the circuit themselves. Opening the disconnect device may be part of the process, but it comes after ensuring the switch is off and that lockout/tagout is in place.