I do not concur with your advice. Opening that unknown J box with power on can bite you. You have no idea what is in there. Has a wire nut fallen off and ready to arc to ground? Has a wire been chafing ready to ground out? Are you wearing protective eyewear in case something blows up and blows molten copper at you? Are you wearing gloves? Are you wearing nomex or cotton and not nylon? Did you take off your watch and other jewelry? Due diligence is always required when working with electricity, energised or not, even if you are experienced.Finally, there is not one single critical load in that RV that cannot be shut down, amprobe installed, and the circuit reenergised. Just my 2 cents and surviving 33 years in the IBEW.
As I recall the OP just wanted an idea of the load being drawn. No issues at all, that is why I said remove the cover but omitted very gently.
You make some good points though, no jewelery, rings, chains, bracelets, wire rimmed eyewear etc
Sure he could turn the power off, not sure if he has an amprobe or not, not likely But easy enough to set it up and then turn it back on, agreed there.
And yes chit happens where shorts happen due to wiring faults, faulty breakers, switches etc. When I turn something on or off like a main switch or breaker, I use my left hand and look away, just in case.
Very much appreciate your critique, sometimes my meanings doesn't always come through in my wording. Safety is no joke in this game and I am surprised that we don't hear about more incidents with people doing their own electrical work. I don't like that these projects aren't up for inspection but that time may come sooner than later.
I do hope nothing happened to the Cheeseman, haven't seen or heard from him since this post of his was made. Cheesey come in!
Over and out...
Another IBEW survivor, 3rd generation 1968 -2010
John
