This happened while I was removing the dead front. Just be careful.
Damn,
You Okay?
Has your heartrate slowed down yet?
Just fine, I had to check my shorts though. They made it out clean.:shock:
John,
Glad to see your ok.
Was anyone around when it happened?
Good educational photo.
What exactly happened??
Not exactly sure what happened, but just recently I’ve tried to get in the habit of touching the panel with a voltage ticker. I’m not sure it would have helped you, but I though I’d throw that out there.
Glad you’re okay!
I always pass the back of my hand over the panel first. If it’s live, the hair will stand up on your arm. If you happen to accidentally touch it, the quick shock causes your arm to contract away from the panel. Bites a little bit, but is quick and relatively harmless.
The screw sparked as I took it out and blew the breaker. I had touched the panel with no feeling or sensation. After the sparks I shut down the main panel, which cut power to that panel. I am not sure if a tick would have helped. I will be using it every time now though. I also will only use the back of my hand until the panel screws are out.
John, do you have the proper Certifications to be performing ARC Welding on site like that??? 
Glad you were not hurt buddy. 
You never would have known that would happen ,if the conductor was caught on the sheathing/fastener somehow.
Been there too, not fun, but mine was due to the wrong screw used, rather than a dog pointed screw it was a sheet metal screw.
Is this a Siemens a panel? I’ve been told that Siemens is now shipping the bonding screw installed but only threaded into the plastic. It’s up to the installer the thread it in all of the way or remove it. Could be the reason why it’s not threaded all of the way in in photo #3. A bad idea IMO since some installers will forget to tighten it. Something that inspectors will really need to be looking at.
I’ve had that happen to me when putting the cover back on. Now I always make sure the raceway is clear around the screw holes before I reinstall the cover. Having that happen once gives you a healthy respect for it.
…and I always look at the mounting screws–make sure they’re all the same head. Every now and then I find one different screw. I check it with the ticker and slowly remove it. More often than not it’s a pointy screw. So far so good (after fifty years).
Glad everything turned out OK, John.
Sharing this info is beneficial to us all and could likey save a life or serious injury. Even when we try to do everthing right, there is still a chance for bad things to happen. Reminders like this keeps on our toes…and off our backs : )
Thank you very much for sharing!
Jeff Tatlock
BEACHSIDE Home Inspection
www.beachsideinspection.com
A situation like this can be completely avoided with the use of a few cable ties at the time of installation.
Jeff, Thanks for the referrals! We need to get together for a beer!