The Dangers of Using a Light Switch Without a Neutral Line
The Dangers of Using a Light Switch Without a Neutral Line
Whenever you turn on a light switch, the electricity flows from the source to the device it is powering.without neutral line Once the device is turned off, the power returns to the circuit’s source via the light switch’s neutral wire. Without the neutral line, current would not flow to or from the source.
A neutral conductor is necessary to complete the circuit in most normal residential wiring, receptacle and lighting circuits.without neutral line It is also required for 240-volt 1-phase supply systems. A 3-phase system is capable of operating with two line conductors and a bare ground wire, however the neutral still must be connected to provide an alternate return path in the event of a short circuit on one or more of the phases.
The reason for the alternate return path is to prevent electrical shock.without neutral line When the current from the two phases is imbalanced, currents will flow from the star point of the load to the neutral wire which is then forced to return back to the supply star point through lines. If the neutral is disconnected, these out of balance currents will remain in the lines and could potentially cause a fire or other hazards.
In most modern home lighting circuits, a neutral wire is always present.without neutral line This is because most light switches have three terminals. Two are current-carrying (black and white) while the third is either green or a bare copper wire that connects to the ground. The green or bare copper wire is called the grounding wire and it helps to prevent shocks by providing a second pathway for excess current to flow to when the primary line inputs are overloaded.
Some older homes may not have a neutral line at all or the neutral may be disconnected from the switch box for some reason.without neutral line If this is the case, you can still use a smart light switch in your home if you properly connect the grounding wire. However, it is important to understand the risks of doing so and be aware that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the smart features of a light switch.
If you are thinking of connecting a smart light switch to a switch box that does not have a neutral wire, it is critical that you follow the local code and consult a licensed electrician before proceeding.without neutral line This is because the extra connections between a bare wire and ground will cause circulating current in the earth, stray voltage introduced in the structure and bypassing of the protection provided by a grounded fault circuit interrupter.
If you do decide to proceed with a smart light switch installation in a switch box that does not have s neutral line, it is important to remember that the light switch only breaks the connection between the hot and the devices it is powering. This means that if you slam your light switch shut, the light will stay off but the instant you open it again, the water is going to start pouring out of the garden hose.