What should be maintained when working on buried cable or cable in manholes?

Maintaining metallic sheath continuity is essential when working on buried cable or cable in manholes because the metallic sheath serves as a protective barrier. It helps to prevent external environmental factors from damaging the inner conductors and provides an important safety function by connecting to ground. This continuity ensures that any fault current can be effectively directed to ground, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire from insulation breakdown. Additionally, the metallic sheath can offer shielding against electromagnetic interference, making it crucial for the reliability of the electrical system.

On the other hand, while insulation integrity is important for preventing electrical leakage, it is not specifically about maintaining a continuous path for safety like the metallic sheath. Likewise, electrical resistance and cable length accuracy relate to performance and operational efficiency, but in terms of safety and protection during installation or maintenance work, ensuring the metallic sheath remains intact is pivotal.