Well, call me overcautious
but I've been known to fiddle with wires from time to time, and rule No1 is never go anywhere near anything live.

I see a few sparkies who think they dont need to switch off the power get a good belt. They seem to think for some reason they're immune. Fortunately I've never seen one killed, but it's just luck as far as I'm concerned.

I saw one removing flourescent striplights once (to be replaced), without even bothering to switch them off. He had a pair of rubber handled snips, and would just cut the cables. One shower of sparks later the light would be free.

Fucking idiot.
( Not Pineapple anymore, Mon 29 Nov 2010, 16:30, 1 reply)

I read in a magazine last week that some electricians believe they become 'immune' to electricity
after a few shocks. That can't be true, can it?
(Juan Quar is clinging to her front teeth on, Tue 30 Nov 2010, 7:28, closed)

Can't see how
I suppose part of the effect of an electric shock is the unexpectedness, so maybe if you know it's coming, it doesn't make you jump.

Deaths by electrocution happen when the current passes through the heart. A belt to the hand is unpleasant, but isn't likely to be the direct cause of death. Of course if you're 25 feet up at the time, and fall off a scaffold, you're still in deep shit.

I reckon a couple of hundred volts or more, with some decent ampage straight across the ticker will do it every time.
( Not Pineapple anymore, Tue 30 Nov 2010, 9:41, closed)