Basic Electric Troubleshooting and Repair

[@crivitzguy5017]

A little bit scary working on electric around water but you got 'er done! I assume that circuit was dedicated to those lights only but if its not, always check for voltage on the neutral because it could be returning current back to the panel from another device on that circuit. I know one thing for sure...if I had my cell phone anywhere near water, there's no doubt...I'd knock it right into the drink! Did it twice in my pool! Hey, great job those lights! All cleaned up and rewired, good to go!

[@Svdreamchaser]

Yep, completely agree. I had turned off the dedicated breaker to the dock power, however I also unplugged it. Taking no chances as I don’t want to become an electrical circuit. Lol.

[@Svdreamchaser]

Oh, And I did drop my phone once in the water at the dock before we had it dredged. I was able to go in and find it but at the time it was only 4 feet deep of so. Now, that may not be the case as it is 8 feet or so at low tide just off the dock. Big sailboat required deep water ;).

[@crivitzguy5017]

It's a sinking feeling!

[@crivitzguy5017]

​@@SvdreamchaserSo what can happen, even with the breaker turned off is this: If the neutral in that junction box you were working in is connected to a neutral to another circuit somewhere before it returns to the panel, the neutral you thought was off because you turned off the breaker, can still be live. Its called sharing a neutral. Usually if not always against electrical code but it can still happen either by a mistake or shortcut by the original electrician or due to something a previous homeowner did. Its not uncommon though, especially if your wiring is pulled through metal conduit. So one of those cheap voltage indicator pens can save you from getting lit up. Never trust an untested neutral, especially if your working in a wet environment.

[@Svdreamchaser]

@@crivitzguy5017oh. That makes sense.