dwellselectric
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- Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Did I read a post on this about every switch needing a neutral?
404.2(C). Designate the exception as "Exception No. 1" and insert an additional exception as follows:
Exception No. 2: Where multiple switch locations control the same lighting load in an interior room or space, a grounded conductor of the lighting circuit shall not be required at each such location if one has been provided at one or more switching points that is (are) visible from most areas within the room including all principal entry points. Where a switch controls a receptacle load or lighting load that does not serve a habitable room or bathroom, or where automatic control of lighting has been provided or the switch is not within the lit area, a grounded circuit conductor shall not be required.
I read this. Does this mean swith loops are no more?
Switch loops are fine for commercial work where pipe is involved otherwise you need a 3 wire switch loop for cables.I read this. Does this mean swith loops are no more?
Switch loops are fine for commercial work where pipe is involved otherwise you need a 3 wire switch loop for cables.
Explain please. Are you saying a DPST switch? what is the reasoning behind this?
Which means you can still end up with one 3 wire at a 3 way switch ?There is a Mass Amendment to article 404.2(C).
http://www.lawlib.state.ma.us/source/mass/cmr/cmrtext/527CMR12.pdf
Which means you can still end up with one 3 wire at a 3 way switch ?
no.. According to the code, the grounded conductor must be accessible at switch points. That means you will have 4.
Explain please. Are you saying a DPST switch? what is the reasoning behind this?
That is correct, I was referring to the mass amendment.I believe he is referring to the mass. amendments that have an exception for multilocation switches. The neutral , in that case, is only required at one location.
No, what it is about is requiring a neutral to be available at the switch point if an occupancy sensor that requires a neutral to operate is used to replace the switch for controlling the lights.
What?
if it is your intention to replace an existing switch with an Occupancy Sensor that requires a neutral to operate,then its your responsibility to get a neutral to that point to do so. I dont see how they could require you to install a neutral to a standard switch location that doesnt require one in the first place,with the intent that in the future you may or may not change it out to an Occupancy Sensor that requires a neutral.
Is there not any other reasoning behind this ?
What?
if it is your intention to replace an existing switch with an Occupancy Sensor that requires a neutral to operate,then its your responsibility to get a neutral to that point to do so. I dont see how they could require you to install a neutral to a standard switch location that doesnt require one in the first place,with the intent that in the future you may or may not change it out to an Occupancy Sensor that requires a neutral.
Is there not any other reasoning behind this ?
I suspect/read/speculate that this is an attemp at having it (the grounded conductor) there if another needs it later, say replacing a single pole or equivalent with a motion sensing switch, so that said knucklehead doesn't use the grounding conductor for a grounded conductor.
90.1(B) Adequacy. This Code contains provisions that are considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance results in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use.