Electrical Systems Section I
There are certain procedures to follow when you work with electricity. Most of them really are common sense. They will keep you from having an accident.
You may do electrical work outside the main electrical service panel. You may not add circuits or make repairs inside the box. This should be done by a professional.
Perhaps the most important procedure is always turn off the power to the area where you are working. This means that you will go to the main electrical service panel and take out the fuse or shut off the circuit breaker for the circuit on which you will work. You will know which circuit to turn off if you have a correct circuit map.
Most service panels are in basements or in areas with cement floors. Be sure to place a piece of dry plywood or some 2x4's under the service panel. Stand on this when you are reaching in to touch a fuse or a circuit breaker. Never stand on a damp floor or earth when you go into the main electrical service panel. You should also wear rubber-soled shoes.