Wall switch wiring


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Old 03-16-03, 08:42 AM
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Wall switch wiring

I was installing sheetrock in my garage and had to disconnect the wires to my heater blower. It has a wall switch installed and I turned the switch off and did a voltage check. The black was plenty hot. Discovered that they installed the switch on the common or white wire. I changed it out and installed the switch in the black. So I checked the lighting switches and they are the same. I am thinking I should correct the light switches too. Am I overly concerned?
 
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Old 03-16-03, 11:24 AM
J
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Not all white wires are neutrals. Sometimes, they're hot too.
 
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Old 03-16-03, 01:44 PM
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Thats true John, but should the switch always be installed in the black wires?
 
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Old 03-16-03, 02:27 PM
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If there are only black wires and its not a switch loop the blacks should be the switched wires. Years ago my Dad had a handyman that was fond of switching the whites, ruined a pair of pliers over that one.
 
 

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