Doug,
Using a SPST switch like we use to control a ceiling lamp, it only has a brass,
and silver screw. So, the black from the switch, on the switches brass screw,
has to mate with the brass screw or black wire from the lamp. The lamps silver
screw, or white wire has to connect to the main white return going back to the
breaker box. This leaves you with a white to the switch, and a black hot from
the breaker. Those two off colors tie together to make the circuit. That's the
only Instance that I know they allow mixing colors so you don't have to buy
14-3, or 12-3 wire and use a red as hot. You can mark that white with tape, but
any electrician who looks into a lamps junction box knows the black and white
tied together is the main hot. Anywhere else though it's illegal to do this as
you would think the white was neutral. It's not required to mark with tape, or
a paint pen, but it's a good thing to do if someone doesn't know this is done
all the time.
Best,
Will
*********** REPLY SEPARATOR ***********
On 11/15/05 at 10:03 PM Doug Renwick wrote:
>-----Original Message-----
>From: amps-bounces@contesting.com [mailto:amps-bounces@contesting.com]On
>Behalf Of Will Matney
>I have always wired my 2-way switches to switch the hot (black) wire
>and never to switch the white wire.
>
>Doug
>
>Gary,
>
>No, because the black from the switch has to mate with the brass or dark
>screw (or black wire) on the light fixture or fan, that's what the NEC
>says.
>Then the main white return has to go to the silver screw, or white wire.
>You
>only have those two screws (or wires), plus a green on some for ground.
>That
>only leaves the white going to the switch to be used as a hot, and tied to
>the black in the fixtures junction box which comes from the breaker, or the
>fuse. If you put the black as hot to the switch, and then run the white
>back
>to a brass screw, or black wire, the inspector will catch it if he looks
>and
>fail it. In other words, that would put you having two whites on the
>fixture. I learned that years ago in school under house wiring, and after I
>got out and did commercial work. Sure you can do it the other way, but it
>wont pass inspection, or wont here in Ohio.
>
>Best,
>
>Will
>
>
>
>
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