Joseph, this post wasn’t about working on potentially live circuits. This is about teaching yourself not to grab everyday metal objects with an open hand that you don’t expect to be energized. For example, I never trust a metal handrail or aluminum ladder enough to grab onto it without a quick knuckle test. But I’m not getting out a meter or putting on rubber gloves. Same for a man lift that’s plugged into an outlet for charging.
If I’m going into a panel box I do indeed perform a live-dead-live test after doing a LOTO (Lock Out, Tag Out).
Remember this is a blog for RV owners, not electricians, and most readers here should never be anywhere near a live circuit.
I agree with your comments on this posting and I totally agree that people that do not have the knowledge of electricity should not be working on live electrical equipment however to work on unenergized circuits one needs to test for potential either by a non contact tester or an electrical meter which RVElectricity and RV Travel has discussed the whole RV power systems and testing in the past. What I do know is that many people have a small knowledge of electricity and venture into situations that they should not and this is why I advocate the use of inexpensive 00 gloves and the inspection of meters and equipment before use, heck in the past I have seen seasoned electricians do stupid things while working on live circuits and not use proper PPE. By posting this if I save 1 life then I have done my due diligence.
I once saw someone grab onto scaffolding that had an extension cord wrapped about one of the vertical supports. There was a break in the extension cord insulation which electrified the entire scaffold. The worder was standing on damp concrete then grabbed the scaffold, and he couldn't let go until someone unplugged the extension cord.
Mike, best practice for voltage testing is the live-dead-live test before touching anything! Using a non contact or an electrical meter test a known live circuit then test what you are about to work on is dead and then test the live circuit again. It is done this way to make sure your testing device did not fail.
As by now you know that I am a big supporter of using class 00 low voltage rubber gloves good for up to 600 volts depending on manufacture with leather protectors anytime I pick up my meter to test for voltage, my meter bag and glove bag are attached to each other that way I don’t have to go looking for it. Also best practice is to inspect meter leads and the meter before using, all too many times the leads can become worn and frayed causing a dangerous situation, this is more common with cheaper meters with stiff test leads.
Class 00 rubber gloves can be purchased for as little as $50.00 on Amazon, leather protectors can be just a simple leather work glove, and a cheap small tool back works to store them in. All of this will cost under $75.00 which is cheap when you consider the consequences of an oops!
Now THIS I consider "news I can use"!
Joseph, this post wasn’t about working on potentially live circuits. This is about teaching yourself not to grab everyday metal objects with an open hand that you don’t expect to be energized. For example, I never trust a metal handrail or aluminum ladder enough to grab onto it without a quick knuckle test. But I’m not getting out a meter or putting on rubber gloves. Same for a man lift that’s plugged into an outlet for charging.
If I’m going into a panel box I do indeed perform a live-dead-live test after doing a LOTO (Lock Out, Tag Out).
Remember this is a blog for RV owners, not electricians, and most readers here should never be anywhere near a live circuit.
I agree with your comments on this posting and I totally agree that people that do not have the knowledge of electricity should not be working on live electrical equipment however to work on unenergized circuits one needs to test for potential either by a non contact tester or an electrical meter which RVElectricity and RV Travel has discussed the whole RV power systems and testing in the past. What I do know is that many people have a small knowledge of electricity and venture into situations that they should not and this is why I advocate the use of inexpensive 00 gloves and the inspection of meters and equipment before use, heck in the past I have seen seasoned electricians do stupid things while working on live circuits and not use proper PPE. By posting this if I save 1 life then I have done my due diligence.
I once saw someone grab onto scaffolding that had an extension cord wrapped about one of the vertical supports. There was a break in the extension cord insulation which electrified the entire scaffold. The worder was standing on damp concrete then grabbed the scaffold, and he couldn't let go until someone unplugged the extension cord.
Mike, best practice for voltage testing is the live-dead-live test before touching anything! Using a non contact or an electrical meter test a known live circuit then test what you are about to work on is dead and then test the live circuit again. It is done this way to make sure your testing device did not fail.
As by now you know that I am a big supporter of using class 00 low voltage rubber gloves good for up to 600 volts depending on manufacture with leather protectors anytime I pick up my meter to test for voltage, my meter bag and glove bag are attached to each other that way I don’t have to go looking for it. Also best practice is to inspect meter leads and the meter before using, all too many times the leads can become worn and frayed causing a dangerous situation, this is more common with cheaper meters with stiff test leads.
Class 00 rubber gloves can be purchased for as little as $50.00 on Amazon, leather protectors can be just a simple leather work glove, and a cheap small tool back works to store them in. All of this will cost under $75.00 which is cheap when you consider the consequences of an oops!
I was taught not to wear rings (metal). they are conductors plus the can melt or fuse if the voltage is high enough.
Some of my lighting colleagues who often work around live AC have switched to Silicone wedding bands for this reason.
Necklace and bracelets can be added to the list
I agree. I’ve seen this up close and it’s not pretty…
Excellent knowledge and tips to check first with a knuckle