Abstract: A power line crew of four employees was ringing out the phases of a 12-kilovolt power line as part of a project to convert an overhead power line to underground. The task involved using headphones after disconnecting a cable at the both ends. One employee working on the ground disconnected an elbow and connected his headphone lead to the elbow end of the cable. The 12-kilovolt cable was still energized from the overhead end. The headphone failed, creating an electrical fault. The ensuing electric arc caused second- and third-degree burns to the employee's face, chest, and arms. He was hospitalized for his injuries.