When is it acceptable to troubleshoot circuits using jumpers?

The premise that jumpers should never be used for troubleshooting circuits is based on safety and best practices in electrical work. Jumpers can inadvertently create unsafe conditions, such as short circuits or unintentional energization of parts of the circuit that are supposed to be safe to work on. Therefore, using them can pose significant safety risks to the technician and others in the vicinity.

In contrast to the use of jumpers, relying on a multimeter provides a safer and more effective method for troubleshooting. A multimeter allows for accurate measurements of voltage, current, and resistance without altering the state of the circuit. This is crucial for understanding how the circuit is functioning and for identifying any faults.

The option regarding routine maintenance does involve certain examinations and adjustments, but it should not include troubleshooting with jumpers due to the associated risks.

While circuits may be offline during various maintenance operations, the focus on safety and established protocols remains paramount. Using a multimeter fosters a secure and systematic approach to diagnosing electrical issues.