(January 9, 2018 at 3:42 pm)Fireball Wrote: What RR and Mark said. An open circuit that is live can have lethal effect if you inadvertently contact it with the breaker on. Before you remove any switch plate or outlet covers for a sniff test, turn that breaker off. If you don't feel like it is safe for you to do, get an electrician to look at it. Your life could be at risk, leaving that breaker on under the current conditions.
I had a friend track me down one night... most of the up stairs lights where not working. I was able to check voltages (confirmed power at breaker, but not at destination). Told them to shut off the breaker and check the wiring the next day. Found this old house, didn't have wire nuts, and they just twisted the wires together, and taped them. The connection became loose, and burned about 1/2 way into the attic.
You definitely want to remove power if there is a problem with the circuit.
It is said that an argument is what convinces reasonable men and a proof is what it takes to convince even an unreasonable man. - Alexander Vilenkin
If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. - Martin Luther
If I am shown my error, I will be the first to throw my books into the fire. - Martin Luther
