Under what circumstances does insulation protect a worker in their work location?

Insulation is a critical component in electrical safety, serving as a barrier between a worker and live electrical components. When installed between the worker and the source of current, insulation effectively prevents electrical current from passing through an individual, thus significantly reducing the risk of electric shock or injury. This function is essential in ensuring that workers can operate safely around electrical systems without direct exposure to live circuits.

While grounding can play a role in electrical safety, particularly in preventing potential hazards from stray currents, it does not directly provide the insulating barrier needed to protect a worker from an active electrical source. Similarly, the effectiveness of insulation can be influenced by various environmental factors such as humidity, and simply relying on dry conditions or full protective gear alone does not guarantee safety if there is direct exposure to electrical current. Therefore, the primary protective feature of insulation lies in its position as a barrier, making the correct answer specifically about its role in separating workers from electrical sources.