What safety practice should you follow when plugging in or unplugging a studio light?

• A. Plug in with power on
• B. Unplug by pulling the cord
• C. Turn off power before plugging in or unplugging
• D. Touch the metal prongs to test

Answer: (C)

Turning power off before plugging in or unplugging a studio light keeps you safe and protects the gear. When the circuit is live, letting a plug meet the outlet or pulling it apart can cause a small spark (arc) and a surge that can injure you, wear the plug contacts, or stress the light’s electronics or ballast. Powering down first ensures there’s no voltage present, so you can insert or remove the plug with a firm, safe grip and without current rushing through your hand or into the outlet. After the connection is made, you can resume normal operation by turning the power back on if needed. This approach also helps prevent damage to the outlet, the cord, and the light from repeated hot-plug or hot-unplug cycles. For safety, keep dry hands and avoid handling the metal prongs or touching them to test for voltage.