What does an absence of voltage during a voltage test indicate?

• A. Voltage present
• B. No voltage present
• C. Ground fault
• D. Insulation failure

Answer: (B)

Voltage tests tell you whether energy is present on a circuit. When the test shows no voltage, there is no potential difference at the points you’re testing, meaning the circuit is de-energized. This indicates you can proceed with work safely because the conductor is not powered—power may be turned off, a switch is open, or a breaker/disconnect has isolated the circuit. Always recheck with a second test and follow lockout/tagout procedures to confirm zero energy. This reading doesn’t imply a fault like a ground fault or insulation failure, which involve current flow or leakage rather than simply the absence of energy.