Which distance applies to AMT-2 qualified employees when working near catenary, signal line, and utility wires under 35000 volts, energized or de-energized and not grounded?

• A. 15 ft.
• B. 3 ft.
• C. 8 ft.
• D. 6 inches.

Answer: (B)

When working near overhead lines and signaling up to 35 kV, a defined minimum approach distance protects against electric shock and arcing. For AMT-2 qualified employees, if the exposed parts are up to 35 kV and are not grounded (whether energized or de-energized), you must maintain a three-foot clearance. This clear margin accounts for the risk of air breakdown at voltage levels like 35 kV and provides a safety buffer for movement, insulation tolerances, and environmental factors. The other distances are not appropriate for this voltage range and condition: a much smaller gap would be unsafe, and the larger gaps are unnecessarily conservative for this specific scenario.