What safety measure is crucial before working with electrical meters?

Cutting power to the area is crucial before working with electrical meters because it significantly reduces the risk of electrical shock or fires that could occur when handling live circuits. This precaution ensures that there is no electrical current flowing through the system, allowing for safe measurement and inspection procedures. By de-energizing the equipment, technicians can protect themselves and their tools while also preventing potential damage to the electrical system itself.

While other safety measures, like wearing insulated gloves or using a rubber mat, can enhance safety during electrical work, they do not provide the same primary level of protection as disconnecting power. Wearing insulated gloves helps protect against electric shock if there is any remote chance of contact with live components, and rubber mats can help minimize the risk of electrical ground fault. However, those measures do not eliminate the inherent hazards associated with working on live electrical systems. Disconnecting service lines also adds a level of safety but may not be applicable in every situation involving electrical meters, as cutting power to the area encompasses more comprehensive safety practices.