On Thu, 19 Apr 2018 08:51:31 +0100, (Roger Hayter)
wrote:

Archibald Tarquin Blenkinsopp wrote:

On Wed, 18 Apr 2018 17:46:17 +0100, Rob Morley
wrote:

On Tue, 17 Apr 2018 20:27:55 +0100
Archibald Tarquin Blenkinsopp wrote:

No,
With no load it is neither alive nor dead.

If there's potential difference WRT ground it's live even if there's no
current. Neutral can also be slightly live. ;-)

To measure the potential difference you have to apply a load.

When you apply a load, the line becomes live or dead.

Now my mate Erwin has an iffy pussycat,
................................

AB
In principle you do not have to apply a load, for instance a bridge
method can be used which while it may apply a minimal load, or a minimal
generator during adjustment has neither at balance.

Only at the measuring device itself, the bridge must sink current.

Even a minimal load has affected the system, thus taking the conductor
into a condition where it has a potential, or not of course.

AB