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Started By
Message
re: Changing a light fixture without flipping breaker
Posted on 1/21/17 at 5:10 pm to TU Rob
Posted on 1/21/17 at 5:10 pm to TU Rob
quote:
I would be dead about a half dozen times if it did. It certainly wakes you up and your arm might tingle for 20 minutes but not death.
It most certainly can. Secondary injuries are also likely, particularly if a ladder is involved.
Be safe people, turn off power at the breaker.
0
Posted on 1/21/17 at 5:11 pm to tokenBoiler
Switch in the off position won't help you any if it's connected to switch the neutral.
Posted on 1/21/17 at 6:13 pm to canerow
quote:
There is a big difference between a switch and breaker when it comes to turning off a circuit and working on that circuit. If you only turn off the switch, this may turn off the power to that particular fixture.
Do you understand circuits?
quote:
It may be deceiving because in an apartment building the nuetral may be shared.
Here's a newsflash for you, the neutral is shared by all the circuits in the service box in your home or your apartment. And that's true if a breaker is off or not.
quote:
If there is another fixture that is on and drawing current, you will definitely find out the hard way.
Well, that's just utter nonsense.
quote:
And to those that dont think 120 volts can kill, its not the voltage. The current is what kills you. .
Not really true, any AC or pulsating D.C. voltage can cause heart rhythm interruption in the milliamperes range given the right set of circumstance. The higher the power available, the more ways electricity can kill you. Higher voltage or higher current equals more power, so now you have the destruction of cells due to burning or nearly explosive boiling of bodily fluids. But as most electricians will tell you, 120 VAC on your hand is way more likely to just be a bit painful and cause some spasming in the lower arm but I would not risk it, personally because you are correct in that
quote:
Electricity is nothing to play with
Posted on 1/21/17 at 6:21 pm to mdomingue
Since when is voltage measured in milliamps or amps? Do what you want but I deal with enough electricity to know the best practice is to isolate power.
Posted on 1/21/17 at 6:25 pm to 3morereps
Make sure you stand in a bucket of water while working. It will insulate you from any shock.
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
Posted on 1/21/17 at 6:38 pm to canerow
quote:
Since when is voltage measured in milliamps or amps?
Perhaps my words could have been clearer, any pulsating voltage can cause heart arythmia with only milliamperes of current available. Better?
Opening a switch is no different than opening a breaker, in terms of current isolation, unless the circuit is wired improperly. In either case, I would double check for the presence of voltage prior to unwiring to insure isolation, in particular with regards to using the switch.
I have dealt with electricity extensively and on several levels so I agrees it is best practice to use the breaker to isolate power.
Sorry if I came across to harsh, I'm an old get off my lawn guy.
This post was edited on 1/21/17 at 6:39 pm
Posted on 1/21/17 at 6:48 pm to mdomingue
No worries. I was just trying to express that just cuz its "only 120 vac" doesnt mean it should be treated any different as higher voltages.
Posted on 1/21/17 at 8:43 pm to PaperPaintball92
quote:
Have someone on standby with a wooden stick handy.
In the Navy, they taught us to use your belt around the neck of the Darwinian.
Posted on 1/21/17 at 10:15 pm to mdomingue
...
This post was edited on 1/21/17 at 10:17 pm
Posted on 1/22/17 at 1:21 am to canerow
Really. A breaker cuts the neutral?
No.
So what is the difference again?
Just make it a practice to never touch any bare wire without gloves.
No.
So what is the difference again?
Just make it a practice to never touch any bare wire without gloves.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 5:00 am to 3morereps
Just had an electrician die in crawl space of house gettinh hit with 110. He was fat and sweaty, and older but its a reminder don't frick with electricity. turn the breaker off.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 5:19 am to 3morereps
Worldstar!!!
Posted on 1/22/17 at 8:25 am to canerow
quote:
And to those that dont think 120 volts can kill, its not the voltage. The current is what kills you.
Did you steal this line from Jurassic Park I?
Posted on 1/22/17 at 8:30 am to 3morereps
Why is this still on the first page 
Posted on 1/22/17 at 8:32 am to RealityTiger
quote:
This. I've come across that exact scenario before.
I've put out power in half the house before doing this.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 8:40 am to 3morereps
quote:
About to change out a fixture in my brothers apartment
Why? The apartment has people for this.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 10:27 am to 3morereps
Did the OP survive?
Do him a favor and call the apartment maintenance guy, or pay someone to do it.
Do him a favor and call the apartment maintenance guy, or pay someone to do it.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 11:28 am to PaperPaintball92
quote:
Have someone on standby with a baseball bat handy.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 12:15 pm to ATL-TIGER-732
quote:
belt around the neck of the Darwinian.
I have learned all kinds of things in the Navy but I haven't heard that one yet.
Posted on 1/22/17 at 12:59 pm to dkreller
quote:
Make sure you stand in a bucket of water while working. It will insulate you from any shock.
You're welcome.
Well said.
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