First of all, do not try this at home. Electrical repairs are not for novices or those that are not knowledgeable about wiring systems and equipment. You should always seek the help of a competent professional when dealing with potentially life threatening forces.
I decided that today would be a good day to catch up on some much needed maintenance around the house. The lights in the basement have not been working for a week or two, so I thought today would be a great opportunity to diagnose and correct the problem.
Now when making electrical repairs, most people would simply throw the main breaker and cut the entire service off to the house. But it’s pretty darn hot in Newnan Georgia, and I didn’t want the air conditioner to stop running so I went to the panel and cut off the three breakers that were labeled “basement.”
Now any good inspector will tell you to never trust the labeling in the panel box. Breakers may have been moved over the years or it may have been mislabeled from day one.
And since the lights weren’t working, one might have assumed anyway that the hot feed was corrupted somewhere along the line, and that that was little or no danger of getting shocked.
But when I grabbed that light switch and pulled it away from the wire bundle, an all too familiar and unpleased sensation screamed through my arm!
Light a thousand stinging bees, the pulsating tingle hummed all the way through to my brain, and as I jerked my hand back, all I could utter was “hot!”
Two interesting facts were instantly revealed to me at that time. One, was that I nearly killed myself. And two, was there wasn’t a problem with the hot feed! In a very painful way, I had diagnosed the problem.
I went back to the panel, took the cover off, and began to examine the neutral bar. Sure enough, it appeared that one line did not penetrate the lug. I gingerly loosened the lug screw, pushed the wire through, and tightened the heck out of it!
Problem solved, and a lesson learned! The phrase “never assume” has once again been reinforced into my psyche.
And in the future, I’ll try not to use my body as a test device!
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Richard glad you are okay. Electricity is one thing I give a wide berth.
I took a look at you credentials Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor, not one of those designations says anything about your being an electrician. Are you out of your_____ (you fill in the blank) mind? Glad you were not hurt! But did you learn anything? 'Now when making electrical repairs, most people would simply throw the main breaker and cut the entire service off to the house. "
No most sane people would call a professional.
Margaret
Hey, I can see why you did this on Father's Day...Do you know what an electrician charges on Sunday, much less a holiday? OK, sarcasm aside, it is for the reasons you demonstrated I have a friend who is an electrician.
Cindy...
I'm not particularly afraid of it, but I do respect it/ Thanks for the comment!
Margaret...
I'm actually pretty knowledgeable about wiring and typically do all of my own repairs. But I still should have tested the circuit for positive voltage on the high side before proceeding. That was a serious error and I know better. Thanks so much for your concern. I really appreciate it.
Gary...
Now you're thinking the way I do! Thanks my friend.
GEEEZ, that is SCARY!!! Glad it had a happy ending...problem got fixed, AND you got to live! Seriously though, glad you're okay, and I'm sure your family is, too.
Richard,
That was a STUPID, STUPID, STUPID thing to DO! Now you know that I am NOT calling you names... I'm just saying that was a stupid THING TO DO. Please don't ever do that again. :-)
Please tell me that you are joking and that you actually did not do this.
Richard,
Happy Father's Day! Unfortunately, I am afraid I may have handled it just as you did.
Thanks for going first, and offering up the reminder lesson.
Richard...glad you are OK. I agree, about the testing part except whenit comes to chocolate! ;-}
Shannon...
I'm just finr ...lol and thanks for the comment.
Judi...
It's exactly the way it's happened! I'm not afraid to work around live electricity as long as I know it;s there! My mistake was in assuming that it was not live, and one should never assume. Thanks for your concern.
Wow Richard, you got lucky. You really need to be careful when dealing with potentially dangerous repairs. I'm happy you're okay.
Richard,
Good to hear that you are alive to tell us about what happened.
I do nothing that involved electricity except change light bulbs.
oooookaaaaay, you and Gary need to stop being MEN! :) So, was it worth it? I never mess with electric. The most I can do is replace a light fixture and that makes me nervous even though I know I cut the power off to that fixture. And you did it on Father's Day no less. And what did your WIFE say Richard? Inquiring minds wanna know :)
Ouch!! I'm glad you weren't hurt more. Be careful out there.
Richard, I always knew you were hot stuff! No need to prove it. LOL
Richard - I would scold you but, A: you already paid the price & B: I have done this to myself in the not to distant past. Here's hoping you haven't burnt all of your nine lives. (by my own count, I have 3 left)
Thanks for sharing your "shocking" story. Were all better-off having read it.
Glad you are ok. I don't mess with electrical stuff because there is no telling what damage I would do.