Switching

[mstrlucky74]

So is a switch loop and a switch leg the same thing? I know when you bring power to the light then you have a switch loop down to the light switch and need a neutral in the box. But if you bring him power to the light switch do you still have a switch loop or just a switch leg up to light? Thanks

 

[hbiss]

A switch leg is the switched hot conductor going from the switch to the light. A switch loop would be a hot from the light down to the switch and the switch leg back up.

-Hal

 

[mstrlucky74]

A switch leg is the switched hot conductor going from the switch to the light. A switch loop would be a hot from the light down to the switch and the switch leg back up.

-Hal

So when you have a switch loop you don't have a switch leg?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

So when you have a switch loop you don't have a switch leg?

Yes you do have a switch leg. The wire that returns to the light to turn it on is a switch leg-- you always have that-- The switch loop takes the hot conductor down to the switch and then takes the switch leg up to the light. So a switch loop incorporates the switch leg

 

[Johnhall30]

You have a switch loop if you bring the hot to the lighting junction box before the switch.

 

[480sparky]

A switch leg is half of a loop. The other half of a loop is the ungrounded installed specifically to power the switch(es).

 

[mstrlucky74]

Thanks all.

 

[sameguy]

So the white wire!?

 

[mstrlucky74]

So in this scenario. Power(12/2) to the switch and you would need 12/3 up to a box between lights. 2 switch legs(a & b) and one for power. Correct?

 

[infinity]

So in this scenario. Power(12/2) to the switch and you would need 12/3 up to a box between lights. 2 switch legs(a & b) and one for power. Correct?

Yes if you have two switches then a 3 wire cable (Sa, Sb, N) up to the ceiling is what you would need.

 

[mstrlucky74]

Sorry!! In this instance, 3 switched hots and a neutral. 12/4!

 

[infinity]

Sorry!! In this instance, 3 switched hots and a neutral. 12/4!

Yes.