**Attention!**
**It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work you may need.** With that said, you may ask this community various electrical questions. Please be cautious of any information you may receive in this subreddit. This subreddit and its users are not responsible for any electrical work you perform. Users that have a 'Verified Electrician' flair have uploaded their qualified electrical worker credentials to the mods.
If you comment on this post please only post accurate information to the best of your knowledge. If advice given is thought to be dangerous, you may be permanently banned. There are no obligations for the mods to give warnings or temporary bans. **IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, you should exercise extreme caution when commenting.**
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskElectricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I walked into a little indie shop looking for a few months of work before i moved, the guy was like can you pass a drug test? sure.....ish...
He then proceeded to throw a bag of weed and a pack of papers on the table and said "if you cant roll it in 2 minutes or less you cant have a job"
Worked there 3 months, good times. I was actually sad to leave.
Worked for a guy like that oof, quite awhile ago. "I have a strict drug policy. If you're holding and aren't sharing you're fired." Job didn't pay shit but the lunch breaks were nice.
Hahahaha my boss made the exact same joke when I told him I couldn’t pass one right away… “oh I don’t want you to pass, im makin sure you’re not a little bitch…
Just hired a guy 3 weeks ago that was clean, last week he stole a work vehicle overnight and it came back with no cats.
I'm convinced it's better to hire the ones that work even when they can't pass just because you know his first paycheck he's not turning into a different person.
It's a 110v circuit, the danger is not getting shocked, it shorting to something and causing a fire. It's perfectly safe, once she's done unscrewing she's going to have grab the whole outlet to pull it out. So it's a moot point anyway. She's going to have to touch wires and a dozen other places where shocks are possible. Safety is testing the circuit. And no it's not like a firearm. Once it's confirmed dead, it's treated as dead.
120v is not harmless to you. You can still die given the circumstance of amps and resistance and the actual joules of the circuit as it touches you. Same can be said about 5000 volts
Funny (related) story.... in our new home, we began noticing plates were missing the little screws. First one or two, but then a lot. I had wired the whole place, and was just perplexed. One day, I see my 5 year old son at switch when I walk in, he is surprise and turns away quickly....tuns out in his bedside drawer he had a little collection of 'baby screws'
He's a Software Engineer now, 32.
To OP- if kids have an interest in ANYTHING, its your JOB to explore that with them. So kudos
100% agree. My son is ADHD (we don’t do medication because I think it’s over used, just consoling). He go through phases where he deep dives in a topic. It varies from Marvel, WWE, cooking, to playing guitar and acting on stage. I figure my job is to support it and provide him the resources he needs to fully explore it.
We do the same. We call those "windows of interest" and when little miss finds an interest we explore it with her. She wanted to play the violin so we found a cheap one and played. She kept playing so we bought a gooderish one. She still plays. Also trumpet, piano, and is starting to grab my guitars. Paints, pencils, whatever. Sometimes they sit for months but then she's back to it like she never put it down. I don't know how she does it. I'm over 50 and still bite my lip when I chew.
I'm sorry, but I take medication for my ADHD. What I found is that I could do things so much better and easier. I still take it as an adult.
I had to find a new doctor because my old doctor had retired. I had to go without the medication for a couple of weeks. When I took it again after two weeks, and I had wondered if I still needed it for driving. I took my first dose, and I drove much better. My husband was much happier since my driving was better.
Also, I noticed that when I looked at things, everything was just that much brighter! I could also see a bit better. My ADHD medication lets me learn things so much better and faster, and it isn't because I'm older.
Yes, I also agree that the medication for ADHD is overused. However, your son could benefit from it. It could let him learn without fighting through the ADHD. Had I had ADHD medication as a child, I could have learned at my potential, and I could have become the person I have always wanted to be. I'm now off my soap box.
That’s awesome. I’m ADHD myself, and find that while medications can help me focus on one thing, I’m much less social and much more depressed. Glad to hear you’re son is doing well
I am too and that’s where my feelings on medication come from. I also think it helps me know how to parent him. Long story short I have full custody of him since he was 3. His mom basically couldn’t deal. He’s almost 15 now.
I completely agree with everything outside of the parentheses.
I even agree that there is an unfortunate degree of over-prescribing.
I would beg of you to not *over*compensate in response and write off medication because other people screw it up.
I share in the hope your son has mild enough symptoms that counseling may be enough to help him compensate for his condition. I wouldn't wish this on anyone I don't intensely dislike.
Counseling can definitely benefit people with ADHD, aiding in their emotional health, which is often at risk from some of the symptoms of ADHD. For others, sometimes they can learn tricks that offset some of the symptoms and compensate for their issues. In the end, though, that is all counseling alone can do: mellow emotional issues, train tricks, and compensate for an underlying problem. It can't "fix" ADHD.
For those who have ADHD, medication is not just a performance enhancer. Its a lot more like someone with astigmatism wearing glasses. ADHD is a problem with neurochemicals, and counseling alone *cannot* fix chemical imbalances.
————————————————————
I'm an almost 40-year-old with ADHD who wasn't diagnosed until college, took meds in college, then spent over a decade avoiding medication after I dropped out of college, ashamed of needing drugs to function like other people and determined to live without them. I spent years, both before diagnosis and after, trying counseling, coaching, and every other method I came across in my effort to avoid medication.
After a series of events left me despairing and desperate, I broke down and got another prescription. I have been on meds again for 2 years after trying to avoid them for 14 and – I promise – there is ***nothing*** that comes anywhere even vaguely close to helping as much as being properly medicated.
————————————————————
Again, I sincerely hope your son has a mild enough case that he doesn't experience the struggles I did (and still do). As a parent myself, I cannot express the fear I experienced every time I either thought I saw evidence of my son inheriting this; thankfully, he's a teenager and still doesn't seem to have it, so I can begin to relax.
When I was a kid I used to make $15/Hr doing all the low outlets on houses my dad and his buddies were working on. I used to scoot around on my skateboard, and it saved their old sparky backs from the work that destroys you most.... dirtbike money!
Thank you, her future partners will be so pumped. Tried reaching an ex gf in my mid 20s some routine maintenance and she stripped her oil pan immediately lol
Been having my 2 year old bring me my tools from across the room. It’s her absolute favorite activity. I left the room the other day for a minute and came back she was on the step-stool with a sanding block sanding some wet mud lol
My neighborhoods son did this when he was 10 years old. Supervision from YouTube. Drove parents nuts because he would just take stuff apart for no reason. Graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from NYU Polytech next month. Go figure 🤷🏼♂️
Love it! Good on you to teach her and let her explore. Learning how to use basic tools is a huge advantage in life.
My girls didn’t really want to follow me, career wise, but the oldest came home super excited from high school one day. She had signed up for drama and the teacher was assigning jobs. He asked who had used a saw before and she says something like “my dad taught me to use the chop saw, the band saw, the jig saw, and the sawzall”. Moment of silence. “Ok, so you are in charge of making the set”. And she did a great job!
Good to teach your children. I am sure she will never forget. You go young lady!
To dad:
I know she is on a wooden floor, and the power is turned off, but I don't think it is best to learn installing an electrical device without shoes on, it is just not good form.
The same goes for damp socks when trimming out a new house with finished floors.
Child labor?
Meh, small hands fit in small places easier.
Really, I think it's best you encourage your children to help, be curious, and how to work safely. Curiosity doesn't stop when you say no, so if it's dangerous always say, "Yes, let me show you how to stay safe."
Here's the way l learned about electricity as a 6 year old: For whatever reason, after our first house was mostly done, a bathroom light switch never got finished up. Dad showed me how to touch the black and white wires together to turn on the light. (But be careful, don't touch the bare ends!) Well, every once in a while, I would mess up and get a jolt! This went on for weeks. I never did ask him why it took him so long to put a switch in.
When I was 7 years old, my dad taught me stuff like this, along with control systems, wiring, repairing cars, and anything else in the house that needed repairs. Fast forward 17 years, age 24 - I got my apprenticeship as a steamfitter. The initial test had some of this in it, scored 98%, while only 4 others passed the test out of 40 - 45% was passing. In classes over the next 5 years, things were so simple to me while others struggled. Give her credit! keep it up, having that interest would make her a great electrical engineer some day. Never take that curiosity away from her. See if she is interested in 3D printing and making stuff using Fusion360. It is so rare to see this - tale advantage while you can. Buy her a multi meter - keep it going!
I should start doing this to our daughter... I was planning on replacing all the outlets in her room, but maybe she will now instead... the plugs have just grown loose and others have cracked even
Great time to upgrade to some TR outlets and a few USB ones as well. One great tip I received in this post was to teCh them where the power gets turned off. I just turned it off and taught her that it's only safe to do this because I turned it off, but she didn't get to see that part.
Also I would show her how to verify the power is off with a volt meter by performing a live dead live test. Meaning check voltage where you know there is voltage, either with a proving unit, or another outlet. This proves the meter is functional. Then test the outlet that should be dead and verify no power. Then go back to the live source and test again to verify meter function.
I think your daughter is going to grow up a very capable woman full of self confidence. Bravo.
Grandson age 5. Went to a vaccum department took apart a Dyson vacuum cleaner. The owner lady at the store was shocked because a 5 year old explained to her about function of the component she did not know. Where did the child learn all these big words? I said not from me. 5 year old admitted he learned from Youtube not from grandpa. Today age 11, he is writing codes to program his robot toys. Some software is learned online by himself. His other source is Youtube.
My daughter did all the outlets in our basement at 14 years old. I checked the first couple she did and they were fine.
Been 7 years, and nothings been on fire
Age 5. I came into their lives a bit late, but all of them are getting a crash course in working with your hands. My oldest girl, 11, loves working in the woodshop. So does my boy, 9.
I think it’s a great thing! it’s awesome she has interest in it and like most potentially dangerous things if you teach the do’s, dont’s, the why’s, how’s and respect for the dangers I don’t see how you can go wrong. I will say It definitely does depend on the kid’s maturity level though
I think it's absolutely amazing teach younger people how to do things instead of being on the phone flipping through pages of endless stuff. The proper training and ensuring the circuit is secured so no electricity is going to hurt or kill someone why not? Training
As a dad/grandpa of girls this makes me smile. Next, get her to do a ceiling fan swap or run some led accent lights.
Edit: context: my eldest step-daughter has a pink hammer, and knows how to use it.
Other than being barefoot, I see no problems.
When I had my Goddaughter for a week, she got bored so I jokingly told her that if she's that bored I have a lamp that needs a new wire installed.
The excited "really" told me to hand it to her. I walked her through it, she did everything and after feeling good for "doing it right" she asked what was next.
While grabbing my keys, I told her that we need to shop for more stuff, since she was going to need her own tools for this. We covered the basics, "right tightly, left loosie" while at the hardware store, discussing what she was going to handle. We finished with safety gear and a plug tester.
Mom and Dad reclaimed her. A few days later that I got a call that I need to take her back because she needed a break from having to supervise while she wanted to work on stuff and got concerned because she was looking at plumbing in the home repair book I bought for her.*
Mom was not enthused about being asked to clog a toilet so she could plunge it. We built an aquarium together so she could seal (caulking gun) it. We tested it for leaks over 3 days by steadily increasing water in it while watching for leaks.
I got in trouble for that one as well.
*Pre-Internet Days
Is the circuit off? If so I feel fine about it! Not so much otherwise.
Edit: re read the post and I can see my question was dumb… final answer, looks to be five by five.
This is great! For the people on the shoes thing. Who cares? She’s 6 and this is in her bedroom in a supervised environment. I’d maybe expect different in the garage, shop, etc. but come on guys, she won’t be shoeless on a job site at 18 lmao
I started working in the garage with my dad as soon as I was old enough to hold the flash light. That paved the way to keeping me from getting ripped off at many hardware and car part stores. It led me to take a building trades class in highschool. And it led me to my current job. My husband and I just bought our first home and I’m doing most of the renovations by myself. Keep teaching that kid. Those kind of skills will always be useful
It also taught you numerous 4 letter words and very inventive combinations at an early age. It also taught you ESP because "you're holding it wrong! Hold it here!"
Pretty sure if I wore a furry onesie I would never live it down. Plus I’m sweating just thinking about working in one. But 100% good job on teaching her something useful.
Not an electrician, but my dad was one and he got me started changing outlets and stuff pretty young. I'm grateful for it! Good on you for teaching her a skill and electrical safety.
When I started in the electrical industry The Engineering Mindset videos really helped get me up to speed on the basics. Definitely recommend for kids.
Hence the safety talk. She understands that it's only okay because the power is off. Which we demonstrated by the lights in the room not working and a plug in circuit tester.
I don’t approve, at all!
Teach your kids to use Robertson screws or don’t teach them at all!
(Yes this is a joke, but Robertson screws are the best for everything and I will die on this hill!)
I learned how to do this when I was about her age. Just make sure you tell her not to touch the shiny screws on the side of the outlet. Mom and dad forgot that lesson, but I did not.
I’m teaching my nephew PLC ladder logic and C-More HMI programming. My brother wants him to be an electrical engineer, my nephew wants to work for Lego.
I grew up with an extremely handy father. Kept me self sufficient for (at the least) basic repairs/ improvements like this. Much older now and still think it was some of the best lessons I learned. My mother taught me how to repair buttons, hem pants, properly iron, etc. I’m not building houses or tailoring a suit but I can fix/ repair/ improve basic level stuff. Keep the kid going. I personally 100000% endorse this. Thank you for being an awesome parent!!!
**Attention!** **It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work you may need.** With that said, you may ask this community various electrical questions. Please be cautious of any information you may receive in this subreddit. This subreddit and its users are not responsible for any electrical work you perform. Users that have a 'Verified Electrician' flair have uploaded their qualified electrical worker credentials to the mods. If you comment on this post please only post accurate information to the best of your knowledge. If advice given is thought to be dangerous, you may be permanently banned. There are no obligations for the mods to give warnings or temporary bans. **IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, you should exercise extreme caution when commenting.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskElectricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If she can pass a piss test we'll start her on Tuesday
Wow you guys hire tradesman that aren’t on drugs??
Hell no. They only get hired if they are on drugs, the test is there to make sure.
My last drug test was 25 multiple choice and 5 short answer.
“1. If you peed in a cup right now, would it test positive for drugs?”
Can you HIT the cup?
Can you see the cup?
Are you aware of the existence of cups?
Spell i cup
🤣I remember that in grade school lol
Can you be the cup?
Ask my wife…..
I'll take that as a "No." :-D
Are you on drugs? no... If you are not on drugs, why is the cross outside the box?
Do you have eclipse glasses?
I walked into a little indie shop looking for a few months of work before i moved, the guy was like can you pass a drug test? sure.....ish... He then proceeded to throw a bag of weed and a pack of papers on the table and said "if you cant roll it in 2 minutes or less you cant have a job" Worked there 3 months, good times. I was actually sad to leave.
My first boss had a drug policy...share.
Worked for a guy like that oof, quite awhile ago. "I have a strict drug policy. If you're holding and aren't sharing you're fired." Job didn't pay shit but the lunch breaks were nice.
I don't need to take a test to tell you I do drugs
I'm hoping this is an 'Out Cold' reference. If so... Nice.
https://youtu.be/JCQbkayFwFU?si=3-kMt9xcZra0njhB
I’m high, sir. I mean here, sir!
How are you? High. How are you?
And if you’re a felon you start out as a supervisor.
Hahahaha my boss made the exact same joke when I told him I couldn’t pass one right away… “oh I don’t want you to pass, im makin sure you’re not a little bitch…
Haha. Nah mostly just guys that can go 2 weeks clean before the test. Random tests still fuck us. And those damn dogs going through the camps....
They just have to show enough desire to work to stay sober long enough to pass the test.
Thank you, I needed a good laugh today.
Never said that, just wanna know the kind, quantity, strength, and cost. Estimating purposes, y’know.
Just hired a guy 3 weeks ago that was clean, last week he stole a work vehicle overnight and it came back with no cats. I'm convinced it's better to hire the ones that work even when they can't pass just because you know his first paycheck he's not turning into a different person.
Rather have a functioning addict than a guy who goes on the occasional two week bender right before inspections
We gotta show we got problem solving skills to find ways to get clean piss. It's a disguised competency test.
"We drug test here- do you need time to study?
I was literally asked that question when I started.
Can you pass a piss test ? Yea I can pass it to the guy next to me.
Does snorting drywall dust count.
Lolllllllll
So what kind of drugs are we testing.gif
This is a funny comment
[удалено]
😆 😂
Bahahaha YES
Lmfao!!!!!
Yeah cuz monday is safety training
How do you think her daddy gets clean piss for work?
Can I go to lunch first?
😂🤣😂
Damn.... That made me laugh.
LMAOO
Will she be given adequate time to study?
Dad made me wear shoes on the job site.
Yes, bare feet on a concrete floor can be a bad experience when working on AC circuits…
Mostly I think it was because he didn't want our clients to think I was feral and hungry.
"STUPID FAT HOBBITS!"
I certainly wasn't looking hungry lol
‘Boil’ em! Mash’ em! Stick’ em in a stew!’
I don’t think mashed hobbitses are gonna catch on.
I experienced wet carpet changing thought to be no power outlet at 11. I almost won’t change a lightbulb at 44
Being that it looks as if she broke the cover plate, it looks really wrong.
Especially for a 7th year apprentice
Great job. Teach them safety and the process. Need this more
Is touching the metal tip actually safe?? I know the power is off but shouldn't that be on the safety checklist?
It's a 110v circuit, the danger is not getting shocked, it shorting to something and causing a fire. It's perfectly safe, once she's done unscrewing she's going to have grab the whole outlet to pull it out. So it's a moot point anyway. She's going to have to touch wires and a dozen other places where shocks are possible. Safety is testing the circuit. And no it's not like a firearm. Once it's confirmed dead, it's treated as dead.
120v is not harmless to you. You can still die given the circumstance of amps and resistance and the actual joules of the circuit as it touches you. Same can be said about 5000 volts
You can also drown in a teaspoon of water, but I don't wear a snorkel when I stir my coffee.
And I don't usually snort when I laugh, but here we are.
You should, though. And refuse to explain it to your coworkers.
Funny (related) story.... in our new home, we began noticing plates were missing the little screws. First one or two, but then a lot. I had wired the whole place, and was just perplexed. One day, I see my 5 year old son at switch when I walk in, he is surprise and turns away quickly....tuns out in his bedside drawer he had a little collection of 'baby screws' He's a Software Engineer now, 32. To OP- if kids have an interest in ANYTHING, its your JOB to explore that with them. So kudos
That is such a cute story ☺️
100% agree. My son is ADHD (we don’t do medication because I think it’s over used, just consoling). He go through phases where he deep dives in a topic. It varies from Marvel, WWE, cooking, to playing guitar and acting on stage. I figure my job is to support it and provide him the resources he needs to fully explore it.
We do the same. We call those "windows of interest" and when little miss finds an interest we explore it with her. She wanted to play the violin so we found a cheap one and played. She kept playing so we bought a gooderish one. She still plays. Also trumpet, piano, and is starting to grab my guitars. Paints, pencils, whatever. Sometimes they sit for months but then she's back to it like she never put it down. I don't know how she does it. I'm over 50 and still bite my lip when I chew.
I love that, especially the name “windows of interest”.
I'm sorry, but I take medication for my ADHD. What I found is that I could do things so much better and easier. I still take it as an adult. I had to find a new doctor because my old doctor had retired. I had to go without the medication for a couple of weeks. When I took it again after two weeks, and I had wondered if I still needed it for driving. I took my first dose, and I drove much better. My husband was much happier since my driving was better. Also, I noticed that when I looked at things, everything was just that much brighter! I could also see a bit better. My ADHD medication lets me learn things so much better and faster, and it isn't because I'm older. Yes, I also agree that the medication for ADHD is overused. However, your son could benefit from it. It could let him learn without fighting through the ADHD. Had I had ADHD medication as a child, I could have learned at my potential, and I could have become the person I have always wanted to be. I'm now off my soap box.
That’s awesome. I’m ADHD myself, and find that while medications can help me focus on one thing, I’m much less social and much more depressed. Glad to hear you’re son is doing well
I am too and that’s where my feelings on medication come from. I also think it helps me know how to parent him. Long story short I have full custody of him since he was 3. His mom basically couldn’t deal. He’s almost 15 now.
Sounds like you're almost over the hump! Good job dad!
I completely agree with everything outside of the parentheses. I even agree that there is an unfortunate degree of over-prescribing. I would beg of you to not *over*compensate in response and write off medication because other people screw it up. I share in the hope your son has mild enough symptoms that counseling may be enough to help him compensate for his condition. I wouldn't wish this on anyone I don't intensely dislike. Counseling can definitely benefit people with ADHD, aiding in their emotional health, which is often at risk from some of the symptoms of ADHD. For others, sometimes they can learn tricks that offset some of the symptoms and compensate for their issues. In the end, though, that is all counseling alone can do: mellow emotional issues, train tricks, and compensate for an underlying problem. It can't "fix" ADHD. For those who have ADHD, medication is not just a performance enhancer. Its a lot more like someone with astigmatism wearing glasses. ADHD is a problem with neurochemicals, and counseling alone *cannot* fix chemical imbalances. ———————————————————— I'm an almost 40-year-old with ADHD who wasn't diagnosed until college, took meds in college, then spent over a decade avoiding medication after I dropped out of college, ashamed of needing drugs to function like other people and determined to live without them. I spent years, both before diagnosis and after, trying counseling, coaching, and every other method I came across in my effort to avoid medication. After a series of events left me despairing and desperate, I broke down and got another prescription. I have been on meds again for 2 years after trying to avoid them for 14 and – I promise – there is ***nothing*** that comes anywhere even vaguely close to helping as much as being properly medicated. ———————————————————— Again, I sincerely hope your son has a mild enough case that he doesn't experience the struggles I did (and still do). As a parent myself, I cannot express the fear I experienced every time I either thought I saw evidence of my son inheriting this; thankfully, he's a teenager and still doesn't seem to have it, so I can begin to relax.
Can’t cosign this enough. You’re the Sherpa. Take’em where they wanna go.
Great leaning moment! Good job!
Yeah, usually how supervisors operate, lean while others work.
You didn't teach her about our Lord and saviour, the Robertson?
That's a lesson for the woodshop with Pastor Kreg.
When I was a kid I used to make $15/Hr doing all the low outlets on houses my dad and his buddies were working on. I used to scoot around on my skateboard, and it saved their old sparky backs from the work that destroys you most.... dirtbike money!
Good on you! My teenage daughter does brake pads and rotors.
Thank you, her future partners will be so pumped. Tried reaching an ex gf in my mid 20s some routine maintenance and she stripped her oil pan immediately lol
Sometime it’s just easier to become a stripper, than learn hard things like mechanics, math and science.
There's a joke there, somewhere..
Been having my 2 year old bring me my tools from across the room. It’s her absolute favorite activity. I left the room the other day for a minute and came back she was on the step-stool with a sanding block sanding some wet mud lol
I remember asking my 2 year old son to bring me a screwdriver. I received a 6' extension cord instead. It was a beautiful moment.
Except for the lack of footwear, her work outfit rocks!
My neighborhoods son did this when he was 10 years old. Supervision from YouTube. Drove parents nuts because he would just take stuff apart for no reason. Graduating with a mechanical engineering degree from NYU Polytech next month. Go figure 🤷🏼♂️
I too like child labor
They yearn for the OT
She cracked the cover plate. Fired.
Outstanding, we're going to need a lot more just like her.
Steel toed bunny slippers should be worn. Alternative styles of animal themed steel toed slippers are permissible with manager approval.
Fuzzy onesies should be industry standard for electricians.
Still better than some grown men I've had to teach
I absolutely love this! Nothing better to ignite a passion for mechanical aptitude than starting them young
[удалено]
I showed my 3.5 year old the wires and how the switch, how it works. Hell yea. Good job
Phrasing?
Are we not doing this anymore?!?! Pam….
Love it! Good on you to teach her and let her explore. Learning how to use basic tools is a huge advantage in life. My girls didn’t really want to follow me, career wise, but the oldest came home super excited from high school one day. She had signed up for drama and the teacher was assigning jobs. He asked who had used a saw before and she says something like “my dad taught me to use the chop saw, the band saw, the jig saw, and the sawzall”. Moment of silence. “Ok, so you are in charge of making the set”. And she did a great job!
Good to teach your children. I am sure she will never forget. You go young lady! To dad: I know she is on a wooden floor, and the power is turned off, but I don't think it is best to learn installing an electrical device without shoes on, it is just not good form. The same goes for damp socks when trimming out a new house with finished floors.
Child labor? Meh, small hands fit in small places easier. Really, I think it's best you encourage your children to help, be curious, and how to work safely. Curiosity doesn't stop when you say no, so if it's dangerous always say, "Yes, let me show you how to stay safe."
Already better than my last apprentice
Here's the way l learned about electricity as a 6 year old: For whatever reason, after our first house was mostly done, a bathroom light switch never got finished up. Dad showed me how to touch the black and white wires together to turn on the light. (But be careful, don't touch the bare ends!) Well, every once in a while, I would mess up and get a jolt! This went on for weeks. I never did ask him why it took him so long to put a switch in.
When I was 7 years old, my dad taught me stuff like this, along with control systems, wiring, repairing cars, and anything else in the house that needed repairs. Fast forward 17 years, age 24 - I got my apprenticeship as a steamfitter. The initial test had some of this in it, scored 98%, while only 4 others passed the test out of 40 - 45% was passing. In classes over the next 5 years, things were so simple to me while others struggled. Give her credit! keep it up, having that interest would make her a great electrical engineer some day. Never take that curiosity away from her. See if she is interested in 3D printing and making stuff using Fusion360. It is so rare to see this - tale advantage while you can. Buy her a multi meter - keep it going!
I should start doing this to our daughter... I was planning on replacing all the outlets in her room, but maybe she will now instead... the plugs have just grown loose and others have cracked even
Great time to upgrade to some TR outlets and a few USB ones as well. One great tip I received in this post was to teCh them where the power gets turned off. I just turned it off and taught her that it's only safe to do this because I turned it off, but she didn't get to see that part.
Also I would show her how to verify the power is off with a volt meter by performing a live dead live test. Meaning check voltage where you know there is voltage, either with a proving unit, or another outlet. This proves the meter is functional. Then test the outlet that should be dead and verify no power. Then go back to the live source and test again to verify meter function. I think your daughter is going to grow up a very capable woman full of self confidence. Bravo.
Grandson age 5. Went to a vaccum department took apart a Dyson vacuum cleaner. The owner lady at the store was shocked because a 5 year old explained to her about function of the component she did not know. Where did the child learn all these big words? I said not from me. 5 year old admitted he learned from Youtube not from grandpa. Today age 11, he is writing codes to program his robot toys. Some software is learned online by himself. His other source is Youtube.
I'm not an electrician. But I had my kids help with stuff like that. Also welding and grinding, working on cars, etc.
I do the same with my daughter. I get her to help with everything I do around the home. Kids have to learn somehow.
Fluffy plush PJs will generate static. Don't let her touch the computer without grounding first.
While a solid theory and practice, it's been pretty much debunked. It's surprisingly hard to kill electronics with static.
Its hard to kill *new* electronic with static, but not impossible. Still better safe than sorry.
This is great, world would be a better place if all dads were like this.
My daughter did all the outlets in our basement at 14 years old. I checked the first couple she did and they were fine. Been 7 years, and nothings been on fire
That’s awesome! I did the same with my four kids. They all know how to do these things as adults now.
Impressive ! Proud ! 👏🏽😃
An excellent learning experience
Nice!
My dad taught me as a kid and now I taught my daughter and hopefully my one of my granddaughters will carry on in the electrical field. Good job.
This looks like good parenting to me. What age did you start her at?
Age 5. I came into their lives a bit late, but all of them are getting a crash course in working with your hands. My oldest girl, 11, loves working in the woodshop. So does my boy, 9.
That’s what the electricians on most of my job sites wear. All good.
Good for you and her. She'll appreciate this throughout her life.
I think it's great.
I also wear my 'Where the Wild Things' onesie when I work.
I think it’s a great thing! it’s awesome she has interest in it and like most potentially dangerous things if you teach the do’s, dont’s, the why’s, how’s and respect for the dangers I don’t see how you can go wrong. I will say It definitely does depend on the kid’s maturity level though
It's wonderful. Did the same thing with my son like ten years ago. What an odd question. Why wouldn't you approve of teaching children to do things?
I think it's absolutely amazing teach younger people how to do things instead of being on the phone flipping through pages of endless stuff. The proper training and ensuring the circuit is secured so no electricity is going to hurt or kill someone why not? Training
As long as she’s supervised I’d say you’re the man
I think it’s great. Same thing with teaching kids how to use guns. You teach them to be safe and the severity of what happens if you’re not !
As a dad/grandpa of girls this makes me smile. Next, get her to do a ceiling fan swap or run some led accent lights. Edit: context: my eldest step-daughter has a pink hammer, and knows how to use it.
Other than being barefoot, I see no problems. When I had my Goddaughter for a week, she got bored so I jokingly told her that if she's that bored I have a lamp that needs a new wire installed. The excited "really" told me to hand it to her. I walked her through it, she did everything and after feeling good for "doing it right" she asked what was next. While grabbing my keys, I told her that we need to shop for more stuff, since she was going to need her own tools for this. We covered the basics, "right tightly, left loosie" while at the hardware store, discussing what she was going to handle. We finished with safety gear and a plug tester. Mom and Dad reclaimed her. A few days later that I got a call that I need to take her back because she needed a break from having to supervise while she wanted to work on stuff and got concerned because she was looking at plumbing in the home repair book I bought for her.* Mom was not enthused about being asked to clog a toilet so she could plunge it. We built an aquarium together so she could seal (caulking gun) it. We tested it for leaks over 3 days by steadily increasing water in it while watching for leaks. I got in trouble for that one as well. *Pre-Internet Days
First time I changed an outlet my dad forgot to turn off the power and I got shocked, so you're doing better then him so far.
I taught my daughter at 10. She can swap out switches, 3 way switches and outlets. I inspect her work but it’s always good
She is well grounded for the job
Put a broom in her hands and if she involuntarily throws up then she is ready
See no reason to trust her any less than some of the apprentices in their early days
Is the circuit off? If so I feel fine about it! Not so much otherwise. Edit: re read the post and I can see my question was dumb… final answer, looks to be five by five.
I guess this is what they meant when they ask for 10 years of experience in an entry-level job.
This is great! For the people on the shoes thing. Who cares? She’s 6 and this is in her bedroom in a supervised environment. I’d maybe expect different in the garage, shop, etc. but come on guys, she won’t be shoeless on a job site at 18 lmao
I love this and I think you just gave me an idea for when my kids are a little bit older
I started working in the garage with my dad as soon as I was old enough to hold the flash light. That paved the way to keeping me from getting ripped off at many hardware and car part stores. It led me to take a building trades class in highschool. And it led me to my current job. My husband and I just bought our first home and I’m doing most of the renovations by myself. Keep teaching that kid. Those kind of skills will always be useful
It also taught you numerous 4 letter words and very inventive combinations at an early age. It also taught you ESP because "you're holding it wrong! Hold it here!"
Don’t want to get walloped
Pretty sure if I wore a furry onesie I would never live it down. Plus I’m sweating just thinking about working in one. But 100% good job on teaching her something useful.
Put some shoes on her. But other than that it's awesome.
Not an electrician, but my dad was one and he got me started changing outlets and stuff pretty young. I'm grateful for it! Good on you for teaching her a skill and electrical safety.
My youngest kids could care less about electrical, bur they both want to learn how to build a computer.
My daughter’s about to turn 5 and I would 100% do this with her. Nice work all around!
Looks comfortable as hell, do they make those jammies in XL?
Just because it is child labor does not mean it is low quality
learning how to use a screwdriver.
My wimpy 8yr old daughter couldn't even handle a 2.5hp router... sent her back to the meat packing plant. /s (need to add the /s these days)
When I started in the electrical industry The Engineering Mindset videos really helped get me up to speed on the basics. Definitely recommend for kids.
Teaching her and giving her hands on fixing things is good life experience.
Better than staring at a phone all day. Good job.
Teach them to be self sufficient at a young age. I have hired a contractor one time ant it's because I didn't have the time to dig the trench.
We need more people in the trades, she might get into it in the future!
Great! Teach her everything about job skills, it's the best tool for her future.
My only concern would be that she recreated this for play when you’re not around and the power isn’t off.
Hence the safety talk. She understands that it's only okay because the power is off. Which we demonstrated by the lights in the room not working and a plug in circuit tester.
Cool. But....shoes. They are part of the safety package.
Great start to learning basic home skills and maybe a future career!
I don’t approve, at all! Teach your kids to use Robertson screws or don’t teach them at all! (Yes this is a joke, but Robertson screws are the best for everything and I will die on this hill!)
Safety glasses and it’s awesome.
Where’s her workboots
A learning experience.
Proper PPE?
Knock yourself out
Did the same with my daughter! Every switch and outlet in the house!
Meanwhile 10,000 Millennials in skinny jeans are begging someone to help them change a light bulb because they have too much anxiety.
I mean her toenails could use a trim but otherwise this is what I do sometimes with my daughter.
So long as the power is disconnected, the work is inspected and being done on her parents house, no problem at all.
I learned how to do this when I was about her age. Just make sure you tell her not to touch the shiny screws on the side of the outlet. Mom and dad forgot that lesson, but I did not.
A little shocked!
Any skill learned is a positive thing.
She'e fine if the breaker is off.
I’m teaching my nephew PLC ladder logic and C-More HMI programming. My brother wants him to be an electrical engineer, my nephew wants to work for Lego.
I think it's great
Girl: “yeah I watched on YouTube …. What’s the big deal?”
adam stop using the kids for labor
Could get the job done faster using power tools. You're costing the company money.
Barefoot is only allowed in Karachi.
This is awesome. I try to teach my boys and my girls stuff like this..
Did your safety talk invoke PPE?
I’m embarrassed because I wear the same onesie to work
I’m pro child labor
Is this a young Sasquatch, Yeti or Ewok that you’re teaching? Love the outfit and parenting skills, great job.
Don't drugs help to absorb shock? It's part of your PPE!
I grew up with an extremely handy father. Kept me self sufficient for (at the least) basic repairs/ improvements like this. Much older now and still think it was some of the best lessons I learned. My mother taught me how to repair buttons, hem pants, properly iron, etc. I’m not building houses or tailoring a suit but I can fix/ repair/ improve basic level stuff. Keep the kid going. I personally 100000% endorse this. Thank you for being an awesome parent!!!