Power at light or at switch


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Old 09-03-02, 11:20 AM
abkent's Avatar
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Power at light or at switch

What factors go into deciding if power supply should be ran to the switch or the light? Is it entirely driven by amount of wire required? Or is it the electrician preference?

Thanks for the help,

abkent
 
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Old 09-03-02, 11:39 AM
J
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The amount of wire required is certainly one consideration. Where, if anywhere, power must go downstream to is another, as well as box fill considerations.

Personally, I prefer never to use a switch loop (i.e., always bring power to the switch first). For most DIYers, that's a pretty good rule to follow to stay out of trouble, and it makes it possible to later replace that switch with a switch/outlet combo. The extra few cents for cable isn't going to make much difference.
 
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Old 09-03-02, 01:20 PM
GasGuzz
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J_Nelson states a good general description to power the switch.
And yes, it's also relative. I added a second light in my basement utility that I power from the first light. Since I decided that I must use both lights to access the room, I see no point in wiring the 2nd light to the switch.
 
 

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