What is the meaning of ‘live wires’ in an electrical context?

In the context of electrical work, the term "live wires" specifically refers to wires that are currently carrying electrical current. This condition presents a potential hazard, as these wires are capable of delivering an electric shock if a person comes into contact with them. The understanding of live wires is critical for safety in electrical work; any wire that is live must be treated with extreme caution to prevent accidents and injuries.

The other options address different properties of wires but do not capture the essential aspect of live wires being associated with the active flow of electrical current. Insulated wires, battery connections, and communication signal wires do not inherently denote the danger posed by live wires, which is central to their definition and the precautions required when working with them.