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electricians rule of thumb is there place both hands in the panel ....try to use only one hand and secondly try not to contact any metal parts
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BDS
please read the above and make sure there isnt a typo???
thanks? I want to make sure i understand you but it seems like maybe there might be a typo??
and yes, absolutely turn off the breaker... and then make sure the circuits are dead... they make a nice tester.. you just point it and kinda touch the outside of the insulation to detect voltage/HOT wires.... it is a 'pocket' type of tester... it has a plastic tip and a light and maybe a beep/buzzer?
then after testing to make sure it is dead, then yea, follow BDS....
I have seen some houses that were 'jerry rigged' and had some circuits fed from neighbor property or from before the meter to try to cheat edison.... etc....
HD has good books in thier diy section, you can read it while there and not buy the book or if you want to increase your library, get it and you can reference it over and over...

always check, and yes, this type of work has serious consequences and although many things look easy, it is always to check and have a professional supervise and or do the project....