wrote in message
oups.com...
Rich,

Not that I would do this (AND I RECOMMEND NO ONE ELSE DO THIS EITHER),
but does that mean that when replacing a switch or an outlet, that I
could turn the power back on and touch the NEUTRAL (white) wire and not
receive a shock?

As long as there's nothing connected to the circuit that is drawing power.
However, if there's current going through the circuit, anwhere on that
particular circuit (wires connected to the same breaker) there's going to be
some voltage potential because there's a resistance from that white wire
back to the breaker box. Now the voltage is most likely low (less than a
volt) so unless you are sticking a white wire in your mouth and the ground
wire up your ass, the likely hood is nearly zero that you will feel a shock.

The best thing to do is wear rubber bottom sneakers and synthetic gloves if
you plan on working on a powered circuit and you are a novice.


Wardell

.panix.com/~richgr/ Asst Owner:Sibernet-L