No, Rewired, you're not rambling. Not to my ears, anyway.
Nor should anyone get the idea that I was belittling the risks of 'working hot.' Quite the opposite. In case anyone was missing my point, I was being quite critical of poor design, which I believe creates (or encourages) unsafe situations.
It's long past time for ballasts to be made to "plug in," and not put us in the position of working with hot wires. Unfortunately (as discussed elsewhere) I believe the current version of this 'solution' is no improvement at all.
What's the real source of the problem? IMO, perception. It's natural to equate 'small' with 'harmless.' Ever notice just how careful we are with 'high' voltage, 'large' amps, and 'big wire?' Why, there just can't be any real danger in those tiny wires! WRONG!
When I saw a guy get electrocuted (he was revived), it was less than 20 amps of 120 on a #12 wire. Many of the 'light ballast electrocutions' involve 277 volts. It's those tiny wires that seem to get you every time!
