What general safety practice should always be followed when working with electricity?

When working with electricity, the principle of assuming that all wires are live and handling them with caution is crucial for safety. Electricity can be unpredictable, and wires can remain energized even when they appear to be off, especially if they are connected to a circuit that is controlled by switches or relays. This practice emphasizes awareness and vigilance, helping to prevent serious accidents such as electric shocks or electrical fires.

The other options, while they may contribute to safe practices, do not encompass the same fundamental level of caution and awareness required when dealing with electrical components. For example, working in dry conditions and using rubber gloves are important, but they do not address the inherent risk of assuming a wire might be energized. Disconnecting all power sources is also an excellent safety practice, but it may not always be feasible in every situation. By always assuming that wires are live, workers maintain a critical safety mindset necessary for preventing accidents regardless of the circumstances around them.