NEC 2023 404.2(C) Switches Controlling Lighting Loads, Code Deletions? What Deletions?
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@NipkowDisk Жыл бұрын
I'm actually in the process of replacing one of the switch loops in my garage with 12/3 so I could have a neutral for a pilot light switch, which requires one. It will also allow me to add a convenience outlet where I could really use one. Thanks a million for sharing your wealth of knowledge in such an increasingly complex profession!
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Yes, more and more switching devices need a neutral now.
@stevenpersinger6577 Жыл бұрын
Wow who cares. Do you want a cookie?
@aaron74 Жыл бұрын
Since 2011 it only makes sense to run power feeds to light switches first. Not fixtures.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Yes, absolutely!
@philiplarson8228 Жыл бұрын
Sparky channel is very good and brings back good memories I started out in a vocational program at school in 1970, don’t know they have this type of programs anymore but I started out wiring through the ceiling boxes, for your outlets and switches & lights. And then changed over from outlet boxes around 1978 residential. mr. Sparky your video are great brings back Great stewardship for the trade person
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thank you for your service doing such great work for so many people! Yes, it truly is a great trade!
@CBrown07696 Жыл бұрын
Seemed stupid to me when doing my tiny house that I needed to wire in case the next guy wanted fancy switches. Cost me an extra $600 but now I have a Lutron switch a thermostat I can control from anywhere in the country, and can easily add an outlet below any switch.
@heyisforhumans Жыл бұрын
Love it Love it
@Sparky-ww5re Жыл бұрын
With few exceptions such as a switch being on the far end of a room in relation to the rest of the circuit, or adding switchs to pull chain light fixtures during a remodel, there is no reason to run switch loops. Just run your feed into the switch box, then run your cable to the light. Very simple to understand, no need to use as much 3 wire + ground cable in the house, and also makes simplifies troubleshooting in case of a problem. Saves from having to drag a ladder to get to a ceiling box.
@jason3298 Жыл бұрын
I was under the understanding that is common practice. I've never seen a feed coming from a ceiling box to a switch.
@Sparky-ww5re Жыл бұрын
@@jason3298 if you're doing renovations, you'll frequently run into switch loops, where the feed comes into the ceiling box, then a 14/2 is dropped down to a switch, here, the white wire is hot and should be identified as such, but often isn't, this was common in the 60s , 70s and sometimes the 80s, Of course this is no longer code compliant as of 2011, and unless you modify the circuit in any way, the existing setup is grandfathered in, assuming it was wired to code at the time of construction.
@TomCee53 3 ай бұрын
Ceiling run to a switch and back to a light would be more copper, with six wires inside the wall (14-2g X 2) instead of four (14-3g)
@w1swh1 Жыл бұрын
Great Sparky. Good explanation of new code.
@timdyer7692 Жыл бұрын
Thanks, Bill! Good explanation.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
You bet! Thanks Tim!
@mauroaparicio1855 11 ай бұрын
great information
@pfcrow Жыл бұрын
I like that when wiring up the light, you did the ground first, neutral second, and hot last. I'm just an amateur, but that seems like the safest way to connect it, providing maximal protection in case someone turned on the circuit while you were working on it. I also like that you used the red for the switched hot, which makes it easier to tell which wire is always hot in the switch box; I don't know if that's a requirement, but it's obviously a good idea.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
I agree. Thanks!
@garydudgeon Жыл бұрын
Good demonstration Sparky. I like your code change explanations.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks Gary! 👍
@Leeproeun Жыл бұрын
Thanks 🙏
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome 😊
@gregchambers6100 Жыл бұрын
This is really good information you're helping everyone with. I'm thinking about the NEC requirement for all conductors under #4Awg to be colored, not by phase tape whether or not that could present a problem with the inspector since localities may exceed NEC at any time for any purpose.
@802Garage Жыл бұрын
Great video. A couple things that would have really helped me understand the new vs old circuit is diagrams for each and an explanation for why they made this specific change. Thanks!
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Some say it was lobbying by device makers and some say it was looking forward to the advent of various digital switches. My pleasure.
@frankortolano5886 Жыл бұрын
Very good
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks Frank!
@robertglover8819 Жыл бұрын
Definitely needed a neutral for the Lutron Maestro Pro installed in a bedroom. The regular Maestro was installed there first and interfered with the function of a switch in an adjacent bathroom. At a certain dimming level the Maestro prevented the bath rocker switch from turning on properly. I phoned Lutron and they mailed me out a pro Maestro for free. They said to hook up the neutral to the silver neutral terminal on the pro maestro and that should take care of the issue. Now I know why the electrical code changed. Those electronic switches are the culprit. I should have stayed with the manual Diva slide switches. However, Lutron was generous enough to solve this for me.
@mernokallat645 Жыл бұрын
Interesting way. In European countries, especially in older buildings its common to have junction boxes in the wall near the ceiling. It has just a cover, no switch or outlet installed. The live and neutral comes to the box, the neutral is spliced and goes to the ceiling light. The permenent live is spliced, goes down to the switch box and a switched live comes back which is spliced and goes to the ceiling light. Making splices in switch boxes is a new thing because older boxes were smaller and its not common. Some people use that because they dont like seeing junction box covers near the ceiling.
@dhelton40 Жыл бұрын
This addition to the code is the most presumptive thing I have ever seen. It assumes that people will install electronic lighting controls, and that they will require a neutral and that the box the neutral is in, is where the control is likely to be in multiple switches. I think it more likely that these controls will be "power robbing" for backward compatibility in homes where there is no neutral. I also think that many people will find that the old fashion way of turning the light on when you enter a room and off when you leave works just fine! I do not think that this has anything to do with safety, but is requiring people to prewire for something they may never have, or want.
@InfamousElGuapo Жыл бұрын
IF you think the home automation market is not a big deal, you're mistaken. Saying it's something someone may never have or want is like saying we shouldn't wire an outlet for an electric dryer, because they may never have one and only use gas.
@jason3298 Жыл бұрын
@@InfamousElGuapo If you have gas service, you would have to have a special case of stupid to switch a dryer, range/oven, hvac, water heater, etc over to electric. Gas is much more efficient, cheaper, and just works better overall.
@jason3298 Жыл бұрын
If people want to convert over to home automation, they can pay for a rewire. It's pointless to include it in construction other than to raise the costs of the home. The NEC is supposed to be code for SAFETY, not for forcing contractors to do something just because it makes it easier to adopt a new technology.
@jonsworld5307 Жыл бұрын
@@InfamousElGuapo well most people know if there going to use smart switch's or not problem is years down the road when house get sold new owner may want to use them and would have to redo alot of walls to rewire it adding it in saves others time and money who know next owner maybe your kids who 20 plus years from now will want smart switches
@Eightball2516 Жыл бұрын
I always use 12/3 or 14/3 when running to lights or switch boxes so there is always a neutral at the switches that way I don’t have to use white as a switch leg. Even when I have to run those circuits in conduit I do the same.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Sounds good!
@AsHellBored Жыл бұрын
I was working at a ladies house trying to fix a bunch of punch list issues. on issue was that the switch in another room controlled the lights in multiple rooms. after talking to her, she said it wasnt a problem till a handyman installed ceiling fans. I was like, has to be power at the light scenario, and the guy just combined all the whites. I open up the switch and the switch was black and white of the same romex. to the owner I'm like, that proves its power at the light. the owner just looked at me funny because I guess i didnt actually explain it to her in a way that makes sense. She's just like, it worked before, how could it not work now, my handyman is great. I quit working for that guy.
@MrTooTechnical Жыл бұрын
Kick ass
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks Dave!
@clsanchez77 Жыл бұрын
I was never a fan of making a white wire hot, even with tape marking. Use 14/3 or 12/3 and just cap the white. Black on line, red on load and white for future use.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Yes, I agree. Thanks!
@blessnorthamerica7919 4 ай бұрын
It’s a single pole switch, it does not have line and load. It only has two brass terminals & green ground .
@russellboedeker2070 3 ай бұрын
A switch loop using a re-purposed white wire was to allow the builder to save a buck on a cable. Anytime something odd is allowed, follow the money and you'll find out why.
@soleeeenrik3thetabasco810 Жыл бұрын
U awesome bill
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@patrickarchuleta9594 Жыл бұрын
Sparky your work is second to none may God continue to bless you and your family. Bottom line
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
I appreciate that, thanks! Same to you!
@ritchiemeza Жыл бұрын
all the original light switch boxes from my 50s house have a neutral in the box but any updates or additions are switch loops which make adding extra switches beyond annoying -___-
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Interesting. Thanks Ritchie!
@KrazyKajun602 Жыл бұрын
I always go power to switch box first, never power to fixture first. Be careful you are saying this assuming that the main panel is the primary panel and not a sub panel. on a sub panel the white wire is not connected to the neutral/ground bus bar. It would be connected either to its own netural bus bar which is not bonded to the ground or it goes direct to the breaker if its a plug/on breaker like the SQuare D QO/PO panels
@jamesrockford6700 Жыл бұрын
In the old days a neutral in a switch box was useless. Today with "SMART" switches, lighted light switches, motion controlled switches it is useful for a neutral wire to be in the switch box not to mention an extension to a outlet. . In Chicago we use 1/2" EMT Conduit so we can use the proper color wires without any color tape to designate wire colors.
@douglasthompson2740 4 ай бұрын
Which sheathing stripper tool do you like for 12-3 with ground or larger cables? Specifically the twisted conductor cables? Always a challenge to not nick the conductors when dropping from the ridges into the valleys of the twist. Especially so as utility blades seem to come duller and duller from the factories. Also what is your favorite method of connecting modern LED light fixtures conductors which can be #20 or smaller stranded to #12 solid in the boxes? The chinesium ones for small wattage outside lights can be a real challenge.
@Marcus-zh3hc Жыл бұрын
No death end three way.... I'll never do that back in the old days they love to do this
@MikeDolanFliss Жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks! I remember seeing this requirement pop up. Follow up question / video idea: what happens when wiring a three or four way with Romex, and you need a common wire? Did the code you read about "in the case of multiple switches controlling lighting in an area you can see" mean that neutral GWC is only required at one of those switch boxes?
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks! See 5:19 to 5:37
@Sparky-ww5re Жыл бұрын
Yes, that's correct, but do keep in mind some local codes are more strict than the NEC and require a neutral be present at every switch box and therefore you will not be allowed to run dead end three ways, or have power come to one switch box, with the light in between and a 14/3 running from the light to the last 3 way switch. In such cases you'd have to run 14/4, or you might be able to get away with 2 runs of 14/2 instead.
@philribaudo4126 Жыл бұрын
If you bring the circuit into the switch box instead of the fixture box couldn't you use 14/2 instead of 14/3 because you'd have many neutrals in that box? Also, same scenario (circuit into the switch box) if you only had 14/3 for the switch leg, would you just cap off the red wire since it's not connected to anything on either end?
@bubka Жыл бұрын
Pretty sure most people used the black as the hot and white as the hot return in older style, non-neutral wire single pole light switches.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@kenbrown2808 Жыл бұрын
another reason for carrying a neutral with your switch loop is to be prepared in case you might want to extend the circuit in the future. it wasn't uncommon for electricians in the mid 70s to run a 3-wire from the light to the switch, and then a 2-wire from the switch to a receptacle. it also bears mentioning that in a 2-wire switch loop, the code does require the white to be used for the hot wire instead of the switched wire. although, if you make a habit of having a neutral at every switch location, that's a moot point.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Excellent point, thanks!
@calculator1841 Жыл бұрын
Yup, lots of 70s/80s homes here and that's the wiring I've come across.
@celia222 Жыл бұрын
Just as I was going to rewire a 90s basement… I need to go get more wire.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Good luck!
@billsmith9249 Жыл бұрын
Not if the wiring was done... say a few months ago.......... unless you're pulling a permit, who would tell?
@celia222 Жыл бұрын
5 years from now when we come back to do more updating to the house, we’re going to kick ourselves knowing we could’ve done it at 2022 prices instead of 2027 prices.
@thomaslamb3119 Жыл бұрын
This is not a problem if the power comes to the switch box and then feeds the light. But what if it’s for the floodlights and you have 2 3way and a 4way switch at each exterior door. Will you need to run 12/2/2 or can you still run 12/3?
@ricoludovici2825 Жыл бұрын
He showed the code where it stated on multi-station switches, the neutral only needs to be run at one location.
@csimet Жыл бұрын
Question about that unused neutral in the switch box... does it require a wire-nut/wago on its end or can it be left "uncapped"? You showed it capped (with a wago) in this example. Is that per code? I assume code requires it be capped to protect it from making contact with anything in the box, but wanted to have that clarified. Tx!
@thedude5040 Жыл бұрын
Best practice, dont leave cables uncapped
@csimet Жыл бұрын
@@thedude5040 Agreed, but I'm curious as to what code states about unused wires like that. :)
@Guardducks Жыл бұрын
👍🏼
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@ryanalan6545 Жыл бұрын
I always added a neutral to switches because dimmers or motion sensors sometimes need a neutral
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Excellent!
@stevenpersinger6577 Жыл бұрын
Who cares
@MntneerWVU Жыл бұрын
There's nothing we hate more than trying to install a controlled switch from a company like Lutron or Control4, only to discover a switch leg situation. The cost savings in running them is negligible and there is zero reason why they should be wired that way these days. This is a nice change in code.
@pfcrow Жыл бұрын
Having a neutral in the switch box also allows you to chain an outlet below it if you need another one. Having the flexibility for the future is really nice, and it can save a ton of money fixing problems in the future. Also, it eliminates the need for those horrible switch devices that let a small amount of power through when "off" to act as a vampire load for things like a small light on the switch. I've seen some that switches with lights that don't require a neutral, but don't work with LED lights since they let enough power through to light up the bulbs.
@TheMakyato Жыл бұрын
in europe/italy we have situation when neutral in the switch box is just a waste , in some cases you need a bipolar switch
@user-kb3lz2oy5r 4 ай бұрын
Extra cost to an addition or home. How did we live without surge and arc protection all these years when wiring homes. By the way I do like GFCIs 20 amp no 15 amp. I only use 12 gauge wire I do not use 14 gauge in a home or a garage. Personal preference.
@SparkyChannel 4 ай бұрын
I understand.
@shahaln1813 Жыл бұрын
I am not an electrician but something he says always bothers me (he has said it in multiple videos) - he says "the neutral is a grounded conductor because the neutral wires gets connected to the grounding bus bar on the main panel (4:01)". It is true that the neutral bar (and so the neutral wire) gets connected to the ground bar at the first disconnect means (which in many cases is your main panel) but my point is that, it (neutral's connection to the ground at the main panel) is not the reason why the neutral is called a grounded terminal. In my understanding, the neutral is called a grounded conductor because it is grounded at the transformer and coming to you from the service provider already grounded. The neutral wire is tapped out of the mid point of the transformer coil and gets grounded at the transformer itself (so that is a grounded terminal); the other 2 leads (hot wires) are the 2 endpoints of the transformer coil and not grounded (ungrounded terminals) coning out of the transformer. The point is, it (neutral terminal) is a grounded terminal even before it reaches your panel. Can someone correct me if I am wrong. Also the reason the neutral gets connected to the grounding bus bar is because, if a ground fault were to occur the fault current has a path to get to the source (through the neutral wire) and the over-current protection device (breaker) can detect a possible fault and break open the circuit and protect you. All your ground wires are in fact made the extension of the neutral terminal (because of bonding ground bar and neutral bar at the first disconnect) and unless a fault were to occur no current flows through the ground wire but if a fault were to occur the circuit can be completed using the ground wire (remember the ground wire is made an extension of the neutral conductor) and the breaker can work its magic and break the circuit.
@jefflebowski918 Жыл бұрын
That's due to the NEC, NEC calls the white wire "grounded circuit conductor". Everyone else calls the white wire "neutral conductor". The green wire is always called "ground conductor". The wire you use to bond the electrical box to a ground rod is called "grounding conductor". I know it's confusing.
@shahaln1813 Жыл бұрын
@@jefflebowski918 My point was about why NEC itself calls the neutral, a grounded conductor - it is because it is brought to the ground potential at the transformer itself and coming to you already grounded. The 3 terminals coming to you from the service provider are 1 grounded terminal( neutral), and 2 ungrounded terminals. What we do at the first disconnect means is bonding the grounded (neutral) and the grounding terminals together to create a fault current path ( to complete the circuit) so that if any of the metal pieces gets energized (due to a fault), it has a way to complete the circuit (it is in effect a short circuit) and unlimited ( read large amount) current tries to flow through the breaker and the breaker can detect a possible fault and take action. Without bonding, the metal pieces where the fault occured stays energized and it is a shocking hazard. My whole point was the neutral conductor is called a grounded conductor is not because we connect the neutral bus bar to the ground bar at the main panel (technically the first disconnect means). The grounding terminals are different - that terminal is the one we are grounding like the third round pin on a receptacle.
@USMC1984 5 ай бұрын
Hope this helps with your question. The neutral is a current carrying “conductor” when power is connected through a device. The neutral is grounded at the transformer and at the meter for the protection of the service provider and it’s equipment. The NEC starts it’s registration at the main panel, where it must be grounded and bonded. Such as the main neutral, meter box ground, main panel, main panel neutral and grounds are all bonded together. For the protection of the customer.
@JohnTarbox Жыл бұрын
@Sparky Channel, I am curious why you are not using a torque screwdriver? Doesn't the new code require that terminals be torqued to manufacturers' specifications?
@pattognozzi Жыл бұрын
He did just put out a video about torquing connectors the other day
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Torqueing is not required for receptacles.
@stevenpersinger6577 Жыл бұрын
Man you're trying hard. Just tighten the damn screw ot you're fired.
@jaredslaybaugh2591 Ай бұрын
does the neutral not need to be wired to the switch to actually meet code? If it's not connected, what's the point?
@seanstrickley3992 26 күн бұрын
Point is for future cases where customer wants to use timer switch that needs a neutral to wire switch
@TLRhodes 5 ай бұрын
I am changing light switches in my home and have found 12-2 wire in which the ground wire has been clipped. Do light switches require a ground? I know this is a basic question but I trust your advice. Thanks.
@SparkyChannel 5 ай бұрын
A standard light will work without a ground wire. However, it is against code to clip a ground wire like that. Also, many occupancy sensor switches will not work correctly without a ground wire.
@TomCee53 3 ай бұрын
@@SparkyChannelI’m pretty sure that those occupancy switches are using the ground wire as a neutral, even though they call it ground. I’m surprised those are still being sold.
@OPIUMJET Ай бұрын
is it possible to donate?
@ranger178 9 ай бұрын
i don't see a link for milwaukee 12 volt impact driver
@SparkyChannel 9 ай бұрын
Here you go: Milwaukee 3453-20 12V Fuel 1/4" Cordless Hex Impact Driver (Bare Tool): amzn.to/3LHn7wU M12™ FUEL™ SURGE™ 1/4 in. Hex Hydraulic Driver 2 Battery Kit: Amazon: amzn.to/3RBts0P
@HoosierRallyMaster Жыл бұрын
Bill, what is the reasoning for the limit of 5 and 25 devices?
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Perhaps too much voltage drop.
@Ariel1S Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel Isn't that section about using the ground wire as a fake neutral? Or am I confusing things?
@besafe9 Жыл бұрын
The limit, where you do not have a neutral for the switch, is to limit the amount of control return current on the neutral.
@rgonz63ful Жыл бұрын
This topic could certainly use further discussion and explanation. For instance in re to 3 way or 4 way switches? Or, what is happening-on the neutral-when multiples of these switches are doing their job? Thank you Bill for ALL your vids and ongoing tutorials.
@Myles_to_go Жыл бұрын
@@Ariel1S Yeah. I don't remember if these are the exact limits (I think they are), but the max allowed leakage is .5 mA per device/appliance. Class A GFCI's are rated for 4-6 mA. So, 5 switches could be 2.5 mA; half the GFCI's rating. Add a few more switches and you'd probably trip the GFCI. Guessing they figured nuisance tripping wouldn't happen with 5 or less. Had I not looked it up, not sure I would have thought about it. If I was on a call I probably would just assume it was a faulty GFCI.
@scott_meyer Жыл бұрын
I've see circuits with the switch installed in the neutral leg.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Wow!
@scott_meyer Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel Old house.
@scott_meyer Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel Plus the socket shell was wired to hot.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
@@scott_meyer Oh no! That's dangerous.
@scott_meyer Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel How do you think I figured out something was wrong? As I was unscrewing the bulb I touched the threads.
@MrKen59 Жыл бұрын
All my lights are switch loops from the 80’a negating electronic switches short of the Lutron switches that don’t require it. Wouldn’t it be nice IF the NEC could allow a single grounded circuit conductor to be run alongside the bundled wire. Short of pulling a new wire and modifying the switch loop, we’re stuck. I’ve already modified my hall lights when I had the opportunity , but I’d rather a viable alternative be proposed - because I promise you, people will use a grounding conductor as a neutral.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Well, switch loops with no neutral in the switch box were legal in the 80's and I guess they were trying to save wire when they wired your house. You could run separate neutral wires as long as they were in a protective sheath or flexible conduit.
@MrKen59 Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel Basically - no conductor can go from one place to another unless it’s protected by a primary and secondary protective jacket - right?. If only we had one conductor sim-pull Romex. :-). I doubt switch loops saved money or wire as any branch circuit has to terminate “somewhere” - it’s probably a convenience to the installer. Thanks for a great code summary.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
@@MrKen59 Yes, that's correct. Thanks!
@MrKen59 Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel what could easily solve the switch loop dilemma is 14/4 w ground taking a neutral to all switches. Southwire makes it but nearly impossible to get. My local electric supply only has 12/4 and it’s so expensive. Just a comment.
@Sparky-ww5re Жыл бұрын
@@MrKen59 14/4 is something that's very rarely used, and if you're lucky enough to get some, it's probably not worth the cost. Been there a few times. So in a renovation where I am adding three ways and four way switchs onto a circuit where there was a single pole before, I use two sets of 14/2, one set for the hot and neutral, the other set is for the travellers, I then used red tape on the black traveller, and blue tape on the white traveller, didn't have any issues passing inspection. And now I went above and beyond code and have a neutral available at each box, for future proofing, if necessary, I replace the switch box with a deep rework box to accommodate the extra cables. Just offering tips I learned working with other electricians.
@joeweatlu5169 Жыл бұрын
With a switch loop does it matter if the white (w/black tape of course) is used as the "hot" or and the black as return, or vice-versa? I've seen it done both ways.
@illestofdemall13 Жыл бұрын
The convention was to use the white as the line, and the black as the load. (from what I've heard)
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Hi Kris! I've heard it both ways, but I think you're correct.
@illestofdemall13 Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel Hi, Bill. I read that somewhere on a forum. I am not sure if there was a code from a past NEC edition or if it was just a convention. I am also going to ask my boss what he has seen more often. He's been in business since 1990 so he has seen a good amount of stuff.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
@@illestofdemall13 The only code I remember about it was that you had to permanently re-identify the wire.
@stillthakoolest Жыл бұрын
@@SparkyChannel 200.7(C)(1) states that the re identified conductor can be used for the supply to the switch, but NOT as the return conductor to the outlet, so it does matter.
@Photonsnmotion Жыл бұрын
Why wouldn't you just run the feed through the switch box first to simplify the circuit? Wouldn't you meet the code to have a neutral in the switch box.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Yes, absolutely. Running power to the switch box is the best way to do it. I wanted to show how to convert a switch box with no neutral to one with a neutral though.
@kenbrown2808 Жыл бұрын
usually, it's when you have a switch that is located far away from the rest of the circuit, so you want to run just one cable to it instead of running two cables to it. but you might also be making a repair or change in a house that is already wired with power to the fixture location.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
@@kenbrown2808 Yes, that's true.
@celia222 Жыл бұрын
An example would be the basement I’m working on. The panel is all the way on the back wall and there are 5 set of lights between it and the switches by the stairs at the front of the house. It would be twice the work to pull wire all the way across the basement and back to the light right above the panel.
@randallthomas5207 Жыл бұрын
Most homes are wired by the contractor with the lowest bid, not by the best electrician. To be the lowest bidder they keep the amount of wire they run as short as possible. Custom homes, and ones wired by guys like me who are advanced homeowners, and working on things for themselves or freinds and family, are actually wired better than the tract homes. There is code minimum, and frequently a better way to do things. The code is proscriptive and meant to keep things safe. And, it is the least you can do. There are frequently better ways to do things, but doing them can confuse the next person to work on it.
@cody5495 Жыл бұрын
always put a neutral please.. so I can install smart wifi switches
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Yep!
@thedude5040 Жыл бұрын
I cant wait until we get rid of 120V and join the rest of the world with all outlets at 240V
@jason3298 Жыл бұрын
Or you can pay for a rewire and let the majority of people who don't want smart switch save money on their construction costs.
@stevenpersinger6577 Жыл бұрын
Smart switches are the worst. Can't stand them. To much for nothing. Light on or light off. Wtf
@stevenpersinger6577 Жыл бұрын
@@thedude5040 why
@miketessore2159 Жыл бұрын
Neutrals are required in every switch box now
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
See 5:36
@elonmask50 Жыл бұрын
So many rules for a country with toy voltages
@patriot1303 Жыл бұрын
“How to install a smart switch with a neutral” - there I fixed the title for you
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@daversj Жыл бұрын
The war on switch legs is real. Seems kind of silly. There should be some exceptions for simple lighting applications. Not every house needs smart switches. Eventually they will mandate all home runs for every light and a smart system. Then nobody will be able to afford a home. Wire isn’t getting cheaper. Thats progress i guess. Price per square foot is skyrocketing and we already have a severe housing shortage. Half the country will be living in a van by the river.
@antilogism 11 ай бұрын
Like new cars: you pay for 150 bizzaro, fragile, fad-features you have no interest in.
@philiphorner31 Жыл бұрын
Use a neutral. Stop the dumb practice.
@SparkyChannel Жыл бұрын
Yep.
@PowderMill Жыл бұрын
⚠️ In addition to the “future proofing”, a “Switch Loop” is inherently tough for future troubleshooting. AND…. THE “SWITCH LOOP” INTRODUCES MUCH MORE EMF INTO THE PREMISES. Great Videos… Thanks Sparky!😊😊
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