What is the difference between a live line and a dead line in rigging context?

• A. A live line is under tension or carrying load; a dead line has no load or tension.
• B. A live line refers to electrical power; a dead line refers to water lines.
• C. A live line must be secured to a load-bearing point; a dead line is not.
• D. A live line is only used during testing; a dead line is used in operation.

Answer: (A)

In rigging, lines are defined by whether they are carrying load. A live line is under tension or actively supporting a load, so it can move, stretch, or whip if the load shifts or is released. That means it demands strict control, proper locking, and staying clear of its path because releasing a live line can release stored energy suddenly.

A dead line, on the other hand, has no load or tension. It’s slack and can be handled or repositioned with less immediate risk, though standard safety practices still apply.

So the difference boils down to whether the line is loaded: live lines carry load and can move suddenly; dead lines do not carry load and are comparatively safer to manipulate.