What does it mean to "never become in series with the conductor"?

The concept of "never become in series with the conductor" emphasizes the importance of maintaining safe distances and avoiding configurations where an electrical path can be formed through a person to the ground or between conductors. When it is stated to "never go phase to phase," this refers to the danger of allowing current to flow between two phases of a power line, which could lead to severe injury or fatal consequences.

In electrical terms, being 'in series' means that the current has a path to flow through different components or conductors. If a person becomes part of that path—such as by bridging between two phases—they can potentially experience lethal electric shocks due to the high voltage differences and the current that can flow through their body. Therefore, maintaining appropriate barriers between phases is crucial for safety.

While being grounded, being aware of potential contact, and using protective gear are all important safety precautions, they do not directly address the specific danger of creating a series connection with conductors. Keeping a safe distance while working with electrical systems ensures that there is no accidental path for electricity to flow through a person.