What is the purpose of spiking an insulated cable?

The purpose of spiking an insulated cable is to ensure it is electrically isolated before opening the insulation. This process is a safety measure that protects workers from electrical shock by confirming that the cable is de-energized and will not carry current when the insulation is removed. By spiking the cable, technicians can verify that it is isolated from any live electrical sources, minimizing the risk during maintenance or repair operations.

When spiking is performed, it often involves the use of a specialized tool or method that penetrates the insulation while ensuring that any potential conductive elements are rendered safe. This is critical in environments where high voltage cables are handled, as proper isolation is essential for safe working conditions.

The other choices, while they may have relevance in other contexts related to insulated cables, do not accurately describe the primary safety purpose of spiking. Enhancing conductivity or testing voltage ratings pertains to other processes in electrical work, and providing a physical support point does not address the critical safety aspect involved in handling insulated cables.