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The neutral is needed for the internal sensing electronics inside of the photo cell switch.

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13y ago

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What are switch legs?

When the neutral wire goes to the switch


A light switch has three wire colors red and white and green which is the hot wire and which is the neutral?

Red is hot Green is ground White is neutral


Can you mix two hot wires and neutral in same shut-off switch?

Yes two "hot" wires and a neutral can enter into a switch box. This is done on occasions where a three wire enters a switch box, drops off one circuit for the lighting and the other "hot" wire carries on to feed a receptacle circuit.


What is a floating neutral wire?

a loose connection of a neutral wire


Why black wire and white wire both have power?

In the US, house wire has the BLACK wire connected to the HOT phase of the service input. The WHITE wire is connected to the NEUTRAL of the service input. Normally, both BLACK and WHITE wires are each connected to the 2 LOAD terminals. It is also normal that the WHITE service wire is connected to the wider spade outlet receptacle. The BLACK wire would then be connected to the shorter or narrower outlet spade receptacle. In wired screw lamp circuits, it is normal to wire the BLACK service wire to the center pad of the lamp socket and the WHITE wire to the screw shell of the socket. In switch circuits, it is normal to wire the BLACK service wire to the switch. The HOT service circuit is then opened or closed by the switch. Measuring voltage on your neutral means there is a break in neutral. If the neutral is broken you will measure voltage across the break or from the break to ground. Under this scenario you will measure the same voltage as you do on your hot wire and your load should not be working. Measuring voltage on your neutral less than on your hot wire may mean you have a problem where your neutral is supposed to be bonded to ground in your main service panel. In this scenario your load may be working but you need to check the bonding connection.

Related Questions

What are switch legs?

When the neutral wire goes to the switch


Should neutral wire of lamp be connected to the 3amp or the 6 amp side of a canopy switch?

You should never switch the neutral wire. The neutral of the appliance should be connected directly to the neutral wire leading to the service panel neutral bar.


How can I install a light switch without a neutral wire?

To install a light switch without a neutral wire, you can use a switch that does not require a neutral connection, such as a mechanical switch or a wireless smart switch. These types of switches do not need a neutral wire to function properly. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when installing the switch to ensure it is done safely and correctly.


How can I install a light switch that does not require a neutral wire?

To install a light switch that does not require a neutral wire, you can use a switch that is designed to work without one, such as a wireless or battery-powered switch. These switches use alternative methods to power the switch and control the light without needing a neutral wire. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation to set up the switch without the need for a neutral wire.


Why is it always connected in the phase or line wire to the switch and not the neutral wire?

because its much safer to switch the hot wire then the neutral wire because if you are working on a light fixture for example and the switch is off if you ground yourself out to the neutral you become the load or return. a neutral shock can me more dangerous at times


Where does the neutral wire go on a single pole switch?

Unless the switch has a light to indicate the switch is turned on, there is no neutral connection to a single pole switch.


How to wire multiple lights to one switch?

To wire multiple lights to one switch, you can connect the lights in parallel by running a cable from the switch to each light fixture. Make sure to connect the hot wire from the switch to the hot wire of each light, and the neutral wire from the switch to the neutral wire of each light. This will allow you to control all the lights with a single switch.


When wiring up a photocell where do the leads get connected?

Black Wire from photocel to hot wire(black) coming in red wire to light fixtures black wire. White wire to neutral wires all light and power source white.


How to wire a switch leg correctly?

To wire a switch leg correctly, connect the hot wire to the common terminal of the switch, the switched hot wire to the other terminal, and the neutral wire to the neutral terminal. Make sure to turn off the power before starting and follow the wiring diagram for your specific switch.


Which is the safest position for the switch to turn an appliance on and off?

the safest position for a switch is on the live wire and not on the neutral wire


How do you wire a 20A switch which comes with a neutral wire when only 2 wires are available for the circuit?

If only two wires are available for the circuit and the switch requires a neutral wire, you may need to run a new wire that includes a neutral to properly install the switch. It is important to ensure all wiring is done in accordance with local electrical codes to maintain safety. If unsure, consult a licensed electrician for assistance.


Is the white wire in the thermotat a neutral?

the thermostat has a black(line) wire to it, and a red wire going to it. the red wire then connects to the neutral wire. the black and red are like a leg switch.