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    vincentsmith's Avatar
    vincentsmith Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Sep 24, 2011, 04:19 AM
    Why is the white and the black wire on the switch are hot
    Ligth switch wire are both hot why is that
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #2

    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.
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