This is to prevent cemf. The purpose for this is to complete a circuit path for electronic lighting control devices such as occupancy sensors.
3 Way Switch Wiring Electrical 101
Nec code neutral in switch box. Doesnt matter how you slice it you would need a minimum of 4 wires to run a 3 and 4 way between the switches. Where armoured cable aluminum sheathed cable copper sheathed cable or non metallic sheathed cable containing an identified conductor is used for single pole three way or four way switch loops it shall not be nessesary to render the identified conductor permanently unidentified at the switch if the connections are made so that an unidentified conductor is the return conductor from the switch to the outlet. Not if they are an indicating light that the load is on. I have 143 for each one going on but then learned of the new rule about needing neutral at every box. 4042 c has no exceptions for 3 ways so a neutral is required at all switches. Ask question asked 4 years 11 months ago.
The reason is because of the high use of timers motion sensors occupancy sensors etc which in the past used the egc as a ccc. I understand that 2011 nec will require a grounded neutral wire to be pulled to every switch. I have two deadend 3way switches planned for the box on the same breaker. Can i just use 2 142s instead of paying extra for 14 2 2. The latest nec includes a requirement that neutral the grounded or identified conductor be present in switch boxes for exactly this reason the cec usually follows the nec pretty. 3 ways are a bit confusing and this new rule about makes.
When wiring lighting circuits supplied by a grounded general purpose branch circuit the 2011 nec now requires you to provide a neutral conductor at nearly every switch point 4042 c. There is a new requirement to install a neutral grounded conductor in each switch box where the switch controls a lighting load. I thought to replace one of the 143s with 2 142s. Viewed 4k times 0. In 4042 switch connections this new requirement makes us supply a grounded conductor at switch points for the control of lighting on jobs both commercial and residential. They run by a trickle of current through the light fixture if you remove the bulb or fixture the lighted switch stays dark 4042 has a comment that says it was added because of the increased use of electronic controls and timers.
The grounded conductor is the neutral conductor the white the gray or the wire with three white stripes on other than green insulation. This code makes a neutral available so the egc is not used to carry current. Now that we have the basics for grounded conductors and neutral conductors we must look within the nec to find coverage of both of these phrases for permission or restriction of switching action for these conductors. Active 3 years 5 months ago. 3003 b requires that all the wires of a circuit be ran in the same conduit raceway or jacket. Lighted switches dont require a neutral.
This was a significant change in the nec that contractors and installers must be aware of to get right on the rough in as this applies to single pole three way and four way switches. Use of identified conductors 4 0362. The phrase neutral point and the word neutral were added to article 100 and used throughout in the 2008 nec. Under nec 2011 i need neutral to every switch box.
Gallery of Nec Code Neutral In Switch Box
