Re-identify white wire on switch leg
#1
05-10-05, 11:12 AM
Re-identify white wire on switch leg
I was wondering what the code is and the best practice is when using the white wire on a 2 conductor switch leg.
Must the black wire be used for the switched conductor (to lamp) and the white wire be used as the power into the switch?
Must the white wire be re-identified (with electrical tape)?
I would prefer to keep the black wire as always hot and tape the exposed length of the white wire with blue. Is this acceptable. Can a re-identified white wire be the switched conductor. Should the entire length of exposed wire be reidientified; or just a substantial portion?
Can I use shrink tubing (or other sleeve) to re-identify the white wire. Must the tubing be UL listed. I do not remember seeing a listing on shrink tubing and I have some already that I have used on low voltage but I have no idea whether or not it was listed.
Any tips of the trade would be appreciated.
Thank you all for your valuble service.
Must the black wire be used for the switched conductor (to lamp) and the white wire be used as the power into the switch?
Must the white wire be re-identified (with electrical tape)?
I would prefer to keep the black wire as always hot and tape the exposed length of the white wire with blue. Is this acceptable. Can a re-identified white wire be the switched conductor. Should the entire length of exposed wire be reidientified; or just a substantial portion?
Can I use shrink tubing (or other sleeve) to re-identify the white wire. Must the tubing be UL listed. I do not remember seeing a listing on shrink tubing and I have some already that I have used on low voltage but I have no idea whether or not it was listed.
Any tips of the trade would be appreciated.
Thank you all for your valuble service.
#2
05-10-05, 11:21 AM
Code stipulates that the always hot conductor be the white wire, and that the switched wire be the traditional black.
You can re-identify the white wire with electrical tape or with a marker. I suppose you could use shrink tubing, if it is UL approved and rated for ac use. You only re-identify each end, you don't have to re-identify the entire length.
You can re-identify the white wire with electrical tape or with a marker. I suppose you could use shrink tubing, if it is UL approved and rated for ac use. You only re-identify each end, you don't have to re-identify the entire length.
