Which statement about safety during electrical repairs is true?

Which statement about safety during electrical repairs is true?

• A. Disconnect the battery to prevent shock and airbag deployment
• B. Leave the battery connected
• C. Disable the airbag system by ignition
• D. Ignore battery safety

Answer: (A)

Removing electrical energy from the vehicle is the key safety step when working on electrical systems. Disconnecting the battery stops current flow and neutralizes stored energy, which prevents electric shock and protects against accidental airbag deployment. Airbag systems store charge and can activate from even small disturbances or residual power, so relying on the ignition being off does not guarantee safety. That’s why this approach is the safer, most reliable choice. Leaving the battery connected leaves energy in the system and attempting to disable via ignition doesn’t remove that stored energy. Ignoring battery safety is dangerous. After disconnecting, follow the manual’s guidance for any additional precautions, such as waiting for capacitors to discharge before beginning work.

Removing electrical energy from the vehicle is the key safety step when working on electrical systems. Disconnecting the battery stops current flow and neutralizes stored energy, which prevents electric shock and protects against accidental airbag deployment. Airbag systems store charge and can activate from even small disturbances or residual power, so relying on the ignition being off does not guarantee safety. That’s why this approach is the safer, most reliable choice. Leaving the battery connected leaves energy in the system and attempting to disable via ignition doesn’t remove that stored energy. Ignoring battery safety is dangerous. After disconnecting, follow the manual’s guidance for any additional precautions, such as waiting for capacitors to discharge before beginning work.