When does a conductor become energized?

A conductor becomes energized when it is part of an electrical circuit. This means that there is a source of voltage applied and a complete path for the current to flow. When a conductor is connected to an electrical source, it allows electric current to travel through it, making the conductor capable of delivering electric power.

Being grounded refers to a conductor being connected to the earth or a common ground to prevent voltage from building up, and isolating a conductor means it is disconnected from the circuit, thus preventing it from carrying current. Additionally, handling a conductor without gloves may increase the risk of electric shock or injury if the conductor is energized, but this does not inherently change the energized state of the conductor itself. Therefore, the correct understanding is that it is the connection within a complete circuit that defines when a conductor becomes energized.