What is the purpose of an auxiliary arm in electrical work?

An auxiliary arm is specifically designed to support line conductors temporarily during maintenance or installation work on overhead lines. This functionality is crucial in ensuring safety and efficiency while linemen work on extending, repairing, or replacing equipment without the risk of the conductors sagging or falling. The ability to securely hold the conductors in place allows linemen to carry out their tasks with both hands free, improving precision and safety.

The other options do not accurately represent the purpose of an auxiliary arm. While heavy lifting and measuring electrical resistance are tasks that may require different tools or equipment, they do not involve the temporary support of line conductors which is the primary function of the auxiliary arm. Securing electrical connections is also a critical part of electrical work, but it is unrelated to the auxiliary arm's role, which focuses on supporting conductors rather than directly dealing with connections.