I recommend against that for 2 reasons.jeeperbryan wrote:Thanks for all the help guys. I'm glad I posted because there's some things that I've done in the past (touched wires with front of fingers, made myself a circuit, etc) that I never even thought of. I'll definitely take all your advice when I tackle this next weekend.
One other thing I was thinking.....do you recommend wearing rubber gloves when doing electric work? Seems like that would cut down the chances of getting zapped?
First, unless they are very form-fitting you will find it difficult to do anything useful. While working with AWG 12 wires and a screwdriver don't appear to be "detail work", when you add gloves it will be almost impossible.
Second, they will create a false sense of security. The cut ends of the wire tend to be very sharp. If a wire or your screwdriver poke a hole in the glove, where's your safety?
It is far better to use a tester to make sure the power is off and then proceed with caution.