I've had employees deliberately re-energize circuits that were off so as to stun or kill me. ( Drug addicts ! )
In that particular instance, I re-tested -- over and over -- so that when he made it live -- I was promptly aware.
My technique was such that his attempt failed.
I was unable to get him fired... Then.
Subsequently, I fired him. He just couldn't stop with the splif -- right in front of the GC.
So there is a reason for using insulated hand tools.
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And then there's the risk that some fool will energize a circuit that should stay dead.
Like the j-man who, having completed the install of an EM exit sign, felt it was up to him to energize the circuit. Two other crews were working on the same EM circuit hooking up other exit signs. ( At height!) Sparks flew. He was canned on the spot. General Foreman had told all lead men do NOT energize ANYTHING until authorized.
I'll admit I'm a tool fool. I have way too many. However, I've seen enough near-death accidents to push my luck.
Many times I'm in situations when I can't figure out how to turn off the power. Yeah, undocumented circuits are the bane of all mankind.
I particularly hate older disconnects -- the cheapos -- that are so cheezy that you've got no working room if it is energized. In such situations, I'm absolutely going to use insulated EVERYTHING.
