Electronic timer switch without neutral

[Srv52761]

Ge timer switch no neutral



This switch is electronic, but no neutral. How does this work?
Does it use the ground wire as the neutral? If so, is that code compliant?

 

[gar]

220712-1327 EDT

Srv52761:

If you read the data sheet it states that a ground wire is required. Thus, this provides a closed path for power to the electronics, with or without a load, and further it does not care what the load is other than excessive load current. Also some very inductive or capacitive loads might create some problems. These are unlikely loads.

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[Srv52761]

I thought the ground wire was to clear faults and not to be used a the grounded conductor neutral.

 

[Srv52761]

Also would this switch cause a GFCI breaker or a gfci uptream outlet to trip?

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This type of equipment is the reason behind the rules in 404.2(C) and 404.22. (looking at the 2020 code)

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Also would this switch cause a GFCI breaker or a gfci uptream outlet to trip?

Unikely if there is only one. The UL standard that permitted using the EGC as the neutral for the electronics limited the current on the EGC to 1/2 mA or 10% of the GFCI trip point.