Running a neutral line
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Running a neutral line
I went to install a electronic timer switch, and discovered that there is no neutral line (white) to the existing switch.
I was going to run a neutral from a different outlet, but wanted to double check that it is ok, since the existing wires seem to come from a different direction.
I wanna run the neutral from this outlet since it's closer and access is easier.
Thanks!
I was going to run a neutral from a different outlet, but wanted to double check that it is ok, since the existing wires seem to come from a different direction.
I wanna run the neutral from this outlet since it's closer and access is easier.
Thanks!
#2
You cannot run just a neutral wire. The wiring must remain in one jacket.
Why not use a timer that doesn't require a neutral. Do you want a recommendation ?
Why not use a timer that doesn't require a neutral. Do you want a recommendation ?
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It's a vacation property that we own. The switch is for a ice eaves wire, and I'd like to set it on a regular schedule, since we won't be in the house regularly.
There are two switches...for one of them, I think I can run a new romex, the second one may be a bit more challenging, so I'll have to investigate more.
The previous owner was an electrician, so there is a bunch of custom stuff that has me scratching my head
There are two switches...for one of them, I think I can run a new romex, the second one may be a bit more challenging, so I'll have to investigate more.
The previous owner was an electrician, so there is a bunch of custom stuff that has me scratching my head
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Correct, I'm replacing a existing switch (one of those that you turn a rotary dial to the desired time).
I'll see if I can fish a new wire to the existing switch.
I'll see if I can fish a new wire to the existing switch.
#7
Hi, it seems a bit odd to put gutter heat on a timer, how are you going tell when and if they need to be on?
Just curious.
Geo
Just curious.
Geo
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Geo, you're right, it is a bit odd, but I won't be there to know if I need it, and I'd rather be safe than have the gutters all messed up, it'll be on during the cold months so, I'm not terribly worried.
#9
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Have you considered an automatic water/temperature-sensing switch?
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-RS-.../dp/B000BMABZG
(This one has a lot of poor reviews, but there are probably better ones out there)
Like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Heat-RS-.../dp/B000BMABZG
(This one has a lot of poor reviews, but there are probably better ones out there)
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I was able to get this to work for one switch.
For the other switch, it is controlling an outlet outside, and hence doesn't have a "load" wire, just a neutral and a hot, and the switches I bought need all three.
the challenge here is that the run to the outlet is long, and I'm not sure if i can access all of it. What happens if I run a new romex from a close by outlet, just for the neutral line (and cap off the rest). Does the neutral actually need to run to the outlet itself?
For the other switch, it is controlling an outlet outside, and hence doesn't have a "load" wire, just a neutral and a hot, and the switches I bought need all three.
the challenge here is that the run to the outlet is long, and I'm not sure if i can access all of it. What happens if I run a new romex from a close by outlet, just for the neutral line (and cap off the rest). Does the neutral actually need to run to the outlet itself?
#11
What happens if I run a new romex from a close by outlet, just for the neutral line (and cap off the rest). Does the neutral actually need to run to the outlet itself?