Do not hold the discharge wand within how many inches of the metal hook?

Do not hold the discharge wand within how many inches of the metal hook?

• A. 12 inches
• B. 16 inches
• C. 8 inches
• D. 20 inches

Answer: (B)

Maintaining a safe clearance between energized equipment and nearby conductive parts prevents electrical arcing and shock. Keeping the discharge wand sixteen inches away from the metal hook creates an adequate air gap so a discharge can’t jump to the hook under normal operating conditions. Distances closer than that—like eight or twelve inches—increase the chance of an arc reaching the hook. A larger gap, such as twenty inches, is safer but goes beyond the recommended distance and can impede operations, so sixteen inches is the standard safe distance.

Maintaining a safe clearance between energized equipment and nearby conductive parts prevents electrical arcing and shock. Keeping the discharge wand sixteen inches away from the metal hook creates an adequate air gap so a discharge can’t jump to the hook under normal operating conditions. Distances closer than that—like eight or twelve inches—increase the chance of an arc reaching the hook. A larger gap, such as twenty inches, is safer but goes beyond the recommended distance and can impede operations, so sixteen inches is the standard safe distance.