Neutral Wire used in some light switches

[diitto]

I have outdoor lights that are currently powered by in indoor, simple on/off switch. I want to replace that switch with a timer/switch so the lights can come on automatically at night and go off in the morning. I notice that some of the ones I see to buy say "no neutral required" while others say the opposite, "neutral required".

Why do some of these switches require a neutral be present and wired to the switch??? What would be the purpose of the neutral in those that require it? Why would a switch EVER need a neutral wired into the circuit???

thanks... diitto

 

[jumper]

I have outdoor lights that are currently powered by in indoor, simple on/off switch. I want to replace that switch with a timer/switch so the lights can come on automatically at night and go off in the morning. I notice that some of the ones I see to buy say "no neutral required" while others say the opposite, "neutral required".

Why do some of these switches require a neutral be present and wired to the switch??? What would be the purpose of the neutral in those that require it? Why would a switch EVER need a neutral wired into the circuit???

thanks... diitto

The timer would/may need a neutral. Some switches were using the EGC as the return path since UL was listing them as allowing it if the current was in the mA range, but the NEC was in conflict. The listing and the NEC has changed to address this situation.

 

[jumper]

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