In order to be safe when checking or working on your wiring, you need to follow these steps to turn off the power:  Step 1: Open the panel door.  Step 2: Identify the main circuit breaker.  Step 3: Once you have located the main breaker, shut it off.  Step 4: Next, test for power by touching a bare wire to a ground wire - if the wire is live, there will be a spark.  Step 5: Restoring the power - switch the main breaker back on and flip all of the switches in the 'on' position.  These steps will help ensure your safety when working with electrical wiring.