to an experienced electrician, this is probably a "DUH" question. and since most of my experience is with networking and low-voltage, i need to ask. if it's a stupid question, please don't hesitate to say so, you won't hurt my feelings.
a light fixture where power comes to the switch, the neutrals are tied together, a regular SPST toggle sits in the flow of the hot wire, and the light/load is connected white-to-white and black-to-black.
is safe to work on the light (repair/replace/touch-wires/etc.) if the circuit is still live but the light switch is turned off?
if the switch were a DPST where both the hot and neutral lines were broken (but ground was still intact - would that be safe?
the DIY-homeowner part of me says i should probably kill the circuit at the panel. however, after hearing and reading about pro's working with "hot panels" and "live circuits" I can't help but wonder if there are situations where it could be safe.
a light fixture where power comes to the switch, the neutrals are tied together, a regular SPST toggle sits in the flow of the hot wire, and the light/load is connected white-to-white and black-to-black.
is safe to work on the light (repair/replace/touch-wires/etc.) if the circuit is still live but the light switch is turned off?
if the switch were a DPST where both the hot and neutral lines were broken (but ground was still intact - would that be safe?
the DIY-homeowner part of me says i should probably kill the circuit at the panel. however, after hearing and reading about pro's working with "hot panels" and "live circuits" I can't help but wonder if there are situations where it could be safe.