Watched a DIYer in my neighborhood try to replace a light fixture without turning off the breaker first.

He got a nasty shock and said 'it's just 120 volts, it can't hurt you.' That's a dangerous myth that needs to die. How do you guys handle explaining basic safety to homeowners who think they know better?

3 comments

3 Comments

seth6831mo ago

It's part of that weird overconfidence people get with common household stuff (like thinking they can patch a roof because they own a ladder). Electricity is invisible, so folks make up their own rules for it. I've found showing the aftermath, like a picture of a melted screwdriver tip, works better than just talking about amps and volts. The stubborn ones won't listen until something actually smokes or pops, which is a scary way to learn.

aaronclark1mo ago

Man, I saw the same thing last year. My neighbor was swapping an outlet, said he could "feel" when it was off. Next thing I know, he's on the floor and his wife is screaming. That voltage will absolutely mess you up, it can stop your heart. I keep a non-contact tester right by my panel now and show people the little red light. If that doesn't convince them, nothing will.

the_tessa1mo ago

But come on, is it really that big a deal every single time? I've gotten a little buzz from an outlet before and just shook it off... it stings but you're fine. People work on live car batteries all the time and that's 12 volts, but the amps are high, right? So maybe it's not just the voltage. Still, for a simple light swap, flipping the switch should be enough. I feel like the danger gets overblown sometimes.