The lighting circuit should have been switched off and tagged out before working on the circuit. Test with an electric tester to confrm that the lighting circuit had been de-energized, first of all, prior to working on it. My condolence goes to the victim's family and loved ones.

As sad as this is and the man should have created a zero engery state the question has to be asked when did we get to the state that we need a permit to change light bulbs the groverment seems more interested in collecting money then trying to put people to work. just a thought

I really feel sad for this tragic situation and will pray for his family. Let's not make this an issue of permits or even licenses as this site is so accustomed to doing.

electricity dosent care about permits. Tragic accident none the less, condolences to his family.

This is one of the big mistakes that a person make when he/she choose to work to someone who doesnt have a permit on business. My sincere condolence to his family.

In trade 30 plus years, I wonder how many times I and others have taken that short cut...to save a little time, condolences to family and friends of this young man.

Our prayers go out for him and his loved ones.May he rest in peace.

This is totaly avoidable event, and is tragic, with todays regulations, it a power strugle between the power being shut off an a interuption in service to the customer, who usually will not tollerate the interruption, and want the work done after hours, usually on the :sly: being a suncontractor, and generally cutting corners to get the work done on some else's time table, seeing there's no permit out for the work, this work is usually done after hrs, seeing the NEC and Osha standards say the work shall not be completed energized. all and all no work is worth a life cut short. condolences.

probably 120 or 277v. someone jumping to conclusions saying electrician was "grounded"; one possible inference being that the current passed down the body to "grounded" feet, but most electricians wear insulated-sole shoes; could have been hand-to-hand, or via other body parts, maybe even hand-to-grounded ceiling structure, pipe, ductwork, conduit, etc., etc.