I think that is one of the reasons why, Terry created this forum, so, DIY'ers can learn how-to-do-it safely. And have discussions. That kind of is the purpose of this all, so DIY'ers can learn from the pro's more than just to change out a light bulb.
Not all DIY'ers are dumb and not all pro's are the best or the brightest light bulb in the box either. Just the way it is.
This is DIY'er forum with different interests people can discuss on.
Electrical is one of them.
Herein lays a major problem in the electrical trade. Most of these Do-It-Yourself web sites are moderated by people that have little or no knowledge of the aspects of electrical theory their self and will allow someone with even less knowledge give advice to someone about an electrical circuit.
I have no problem with helping someone do something that they have the capabilities of doing but every once in a while someone comes along that wants to argue with the sound advice they are receiving which leads into something going tragically wrong. This type person I have a problem with giving advice to.
Then we have those who read something without doing any research and think that just because someone else half heartily agrees with their thoughts that they must be correct. We see this daily here on this site. How many times have you seen, “well that is what my electrician said?†Maybe their electrician is a first year man or even a maintenance man at the local factory without any knowledge of what they are talking about in the first place.
I have been teaching electrical classes at the local community college for many years now and can safely say that more than half of the students I see are taking the class so they can learn how to do work around their own house or that of a friend. Most will call me a few weeks after finishing school and ask questions about some project they are doing.
A few will go on into the electrical field and pursue a career which takes years to learn.
Then we have the Do-It-Yourselfer that thinks as long as it works it must be alright. This is where things go array. Not picking on any one individual on this forum but just in the past day I have read where a smaller breaker was used on a circuit just to make the old wiring safer. Any one with knowledge knows this does not make it safer. The voltage applied does not change with a smaller overcurrent device.
Yes we do have license holders that cut corners to make a dime. This is bad and needs to be addressed with a heavier hand than what it is today. But when we have someone that has little or no knowledge in the electrical field that starts cutting corners then we have death on a stick.
I admire Steve and what he is trying to do but he needs to get a little better grip on some of what is taking place in his forum. Leaving all the liability on the table and only addressing the burden of responsibility for the safety of others the loan of a discussion forum is a heavy burden. If the story of Isaac was due to advice given on this forum it would be a terrible burden for him to carry.
This forum as well as all other forums should have safety as the first rule. This is why there are so many forums out there that will only allow someone who is in the profession to post. There they can debate the safety aspects of different installations without giving advice to someone who might hurt their self or others. When someone post remarks that display a total disregard to safety that person should be put on notice and if they continue then they should be banned.
Remember that it is always safety first, safety last and safety always. There is always numerous ways to make an electrical installation but only one way to make it safe for everyone involved. The code making process is an on going process with nothing but personal safety at its heart. To just disregard these code rules thinking that it works is nothing less than playing Russian roulette. One day it is going to go wrong and when it does it could be a disaster.