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View Full Version : Why is the white and the black wire on the switch are hot


vincentsmith
Sep 24, 2011, 04:19 AM
Ligth switch wire are both hot why is that

tkrussell
Sep 24, 2011, 04:22 AM
Because it is what is called a switch loop. The white is connected to a live wire someplace, usually at a feed in a light outlet, which then feeds the switch. The black is live when the switch is activated sending power to the light.

The new Code now requires a white, when used as a hot, be marked or colored to indicate it is a live wire, and not a neutral.