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Warning - Danger - Beware!

American 110 volt electricity kills easily!  Use Care and caution to keep this handy servant from becoming a killer!

As a licensed electrical contractor (not really practicing), take the safety messages to heart, but don't use this information for code compliance.   There are also a million things I am probably forgetting to tell, but here it goes!

Within the last couple of years, an employee of mine had repaired an electric outlet.  I grabbed one of those neon testers to check it, neglecting to double check the insulating covering.  I got a healthy jolt and finally slammed back across the room, panting, yelling and sweating.  The insulation cover was gone and I had contacted a live wire and it almost killed me.  Frightening:  Another person was right next to me and didn't realize I was dying until I flew across the room!

Thoughts for Amateurs and users of electricity:

Use caution, not paranoia.  Your equipment must be kept in good condition.

I recently had a situation where a guest unplugged a nightlight in their room  (In my home).   One of the blades broke loose, leaving an exposed piece of metal sticking out of the outlet.  They probably never even knew it happened, but there was an exposed - energized - piece of metal waiting for someone to come along.  Solution:   Insulated pliers, rubber gloves, leather gloves and a quick pull.  If you're not electrically inclined - handle a situation like this after pulling the main switch to OFF.

That is why it's important to know about electricity.  Had I not known, I probably wouldn't have noticed, until some child touched it - and died.  You should be aware too, to prevent tragedies.

There is a reason Fire Departments say not to use frayed electrical cords and equipment: They are not inspected like building wiring - their safety is 100% up to you.  Frayed and worn electric cords can expose you to energized electric wires and TOUCHING THEM CAN KILL YOU!  Use ONLY heavy duty extension cords - industrial strength preferred.  This is not even mentioning that two wires touching each other can cause a fire.

If you look closely at an electric outlet, you will see that one of the slots is wider than the other.  You should see that one of the slots is larger than the other.

WARNING!!!  If your home was built in the 1920's or before, and the slots appear to be of the same size, check again,  If you have weak eyesight, have someone else check.  If they confirm that they are the same size, it is time to call an electrician and prepare to rewire the house!

The smaller slot is the 'HOT' or electric supply.  The wide slot is the 'NEUTRAL', which is the return leg.  Newer outlets have a lower center slot, almost round, which is the safety ground. 

This is how "Polarized" plugs came to be.  If you have an appliance that won't fit one way - try flipping the plug.  It will probably work.  If not, it's time to have the wiring checked by an electrician - it's been over 50 years.  NEVER CUT PINS OR SHAVE THEM.   They were designed to maximize safety - don't bypass these designs.

If you are going to do it yourself:  You must make sure the circuit you are working on is completely dead and electrically cold.

I recommend pulling the main switch, thus putting the entire building out.  Then trip every circuit breaker (or pull every fuse) in the place.   Then, before you touch any wire, check it with a meter to a known ground, then use insulated pliers to short the hot wire to ground - as a last resort this will spark a hot wire but it won't go through you.   I also wear gloves and heavy boots, and eschew metal ladders on concrete floors.   

A padlock on the main switch, to keep a clueless person from closing the switch (and sending electricity down the line to you) is a very good idea.  I am writing this because I did just that when in High School.  Otherwise, I would be quite probably dead.  I was doing some electrical work in a school building, as the direction of a master (teacher).  I shut off the building, and locked off the main switch.  I did my work, and was horrified when I returned to the main switch and found the visiting barber trying to force the switch back on!  We were both unaware of each other's presence.  Fortunately, I was doing the work at the direction of a master, or I might have severely punished, for inconveniencing an adult on campus! Nonetheless, better than being killed.  I might not have thought so at the time, though.

Be thoroughly familiar with the project before you begin.   Read and understand all instructions before beginning your project.  Read them.   Understand them.  Follow the rules.  If you aren't COMPLETELY understanding the directions, consult with someone knowledgeable before beginning the work. 

Looking for a project?  Here's one!

A new device is available called a Ground Fault Current Interrupter (GFCI).  These nifty devices check for electric "leaks" (such as a leak through you) and cuts off the juice.  They replace a standard outlet (and those that electrically follow them in line, if you install it that way) and can save your life.

Many codes require their use in garages, basements, kitchens, bathrooms and other locations where work is done under a permit.  Nothing is there to stop you from upgrading your system without being required to.  Check them out at your local home center, they can often be found for under ten bucks.    Recommended, if you are able to follow the instructions exactly.   I use them in my workshop through the daintiest of computers and the massive power draw of a worm drive saw.