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Electrical Wiring

3-wire switch loop

11 years ago

While walls are open due to renovation, I want to rewire switch loop for bathroom fan-light. Currently has single switch with 12/2.
Will replace with 12/3 and add a switch so fan and light can operate independently.
Is there a code requirement or a trade standard for which wire to supply power to the switches? (The constant hot.)
I realize that the white wire has to be re-identified as hot, no matter what.
Thank you.

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Comments (3)

randy427
11 years ago
I use the white, and paint it black with a sharpie.
joefixit2
11 years ago
yes, the code does specify that the white wire must be used as the hot to the switch, however that is a moot point as in most cases you are now required to bring a neutral into the switch box.
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hrajotte
Original Author
11 years ago
Thank you both. I'll pick up some 12/4 so the (presently unneeded) neutral is at the ready. That will probably be the only thing in this house that is compliant to the current NEC, lol!

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