pilot light in residential wiring device

[John Carter]

A residential switch box will not usually contain a neutral conductor. Can the integral pilot light (in a single pole, 120 volt switch) in a metal wall box be legally powered by using the ground in lieu of the neutral? Of course, it will work and has been done previously because of the very, very low current required by the pilot light? Are there any NEC issues with this?

 

[quogueelectric]

This sounds more like a NEMA issue.

 

[Buck Parrish]

If the switch is listed with the use of a neutral. Then you would not be allowed to use the ground in place of the neutral.
Some of these lighted switches will work with out a neutral.
I have several in my own house.

 

[suemarkp]

Usually these switches trickle current through the load. As long as the load is large enough and the pilot light small enough, it works OK (can bite you though when you think the power is turned off at the switch). I would like to see electricians always strive to put a neutral in a switch box because some switches (or timers or other devices) will require a neutral. I avoid switch loops whenever I can, even if I have to run more wire length.

 

[raider1]

Can the integral pilot light (in a single pole, 120 volt switch) in a metal wall box be legally powered by using the ground in lieu of the neutral?

If you have a pilot light that requires the use of a neutral conductor then you can't use the equipment grounding conductor in lew of a neutral conductor. 250.6(A) requires that the grounding conductors of a circuit be arranged and installed in a manner that will prevent objectionable current (neutral current) from flowing on them.

Chris

 

[peter d]

A residential switch box will not usually contain a neutral conductor. Can the integral pilot light (in a single pole, 120 volt switch) in a metal wall box be legally powered by using the ground in lieu of the neutral? Of course, it will work and has been done previously because of the very, very low current required by the pilot light? Are there any NEC issues with this?

It depends. Are you talking about a "pilot light on when load is on" or a "pilot light on when load is off [locator light]" switch? One requires a neutral and one doesn't. And no, you could not used the grounding conductor for the neutral load, assuming the switch requires a neutral.

 

[dcspector]

If you have a pilot light that requires the use of a neutral conductor then you can't use the equipment grounding conductor in lew of a neutral conductor. 250.6(A) requires that the grounding conductors of a circuit be arranged and installed in a manner that will prevent objectionable current (neutral current) from flowing on them.

Chris

Agreed.......