Switch leg question about the code

[Coyote556]

If I am running emt conduit to a two pole switch some distance from the light, can I just run the two black switching wires and a ground in that emt run or do I need to run the neutral also? If I have to run the neutral also, do I just loop it in the box?

I know I technically dont have to run a ground because I could use the emt, but I am running a ground to everything else.

Thanks

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Two black switch wires is not enough for a "two pole" switch. Sounds like a regular light switch to me. Neutral. Yes code requires a neutral in the switch box even if you do not use it. Just cap it off.

 

[APEowner]

Yes code requires a neutral in the switch box even if you do not use it. Just cap it off.

Really!? I did not know that and I'm certain I've seen it done without the neutral many times (not that's any gaurentee that it's correct)

Can you elaborate on that? What is the reason for that?

Is that just if you're running individual wires in conduit?

Does that mean that If I'm doing a Romex run to a switch that I need to use 3 wire plus ground even though one wire isn't doing anything?

 

[pattenp]

Really!? I did not know that and I'm certain I've seen it done without the neutral many times (not that's any gaurentee that it's correct)

Can you elaborate on that? What is the reason for that?

Is that just if you're running individual wires in conduit?

Does that mean that If I'm doing a Romex run to a switch that I need to use 3 wire plus ground even though one wire isn't doing anything?

The reason the NEC now requires a neutral in the switch box is because so many smart switches now require power to operate. Actually the neutral can be left out if it can be easily added without removing finished wall materials. Look up 2014 NEC 404.2. I believe it started with the 2011 NEC.

*

 

[alfredeneuman]

The Code says that conduit such as EMT and flex are exempt from the "neutral at the switch" rule because another wire could be installed in the conduit at a later time.

It only applies to cable system like NM, AC, MC and the like

 

[Coyote556]

So for a standard light switch I just need the two blacks and the ground? For three way I need two blacks, traveler, and ground? No neutral to box on either is OK? Thanks

 

[alfredeneuman]

Yes, Coyote556.

BTW The hots and switch legs can be any color other than White, Green, and Grey.

 

[Coyote556]

Thanks for the help

 

[toplessHO]

everyone makes 3 way switches so complicated when its not
hot on one switch
switch leg on the other
two wires between (travelers)
add grounds and neutrals at each box if required
the only booboo you can do is reverse the travelers

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Only thing I can say is that once you get it working, you will suddenly discover that you want to install some fancy motion sensor/timer/whatever switch and sensor and will be wishing for the neutral, only to discover that you get your fish tape hung up in the conduit with the other wires and have to pull the whole shebang out to pull the neutral back in, kicking yourself the whole time..........

Charles

 

[Dagny]

Reversing travelers doesn't hurt.

 

[Falcon67]

everyone makes 3 way switches so complicated when its not
hot on one switch
switch leg on the other
two wires between (travelers)
add grounds and neutrals at each box if required
the only booboo you can do is reverse the travelers

You're assuming that the bone heads...er...professional that put it in didn't use all black wire. And ran a couple of other circuits though the boxes just for confusion.

 

[APEowner]

The reason the NEC now requires a neutral in the switch box is because so many smart switches now require power to operate. Actually the neutral can be left out if it can be easily added without removing finished wall materials. Look up 2014 NEC 404.2. I believe it started with the 2011 NEC.

Well, how about that, I learned something! Thank you. And, now that you mention it I have that exact issue in my house. If that requirement had been in place when my house was built I could have installed that fancy light timer on the yard lights that my wife wanted.

 

[toplessHO]

Reversing travelers doesn't hurt.

not it will function just fine. But if you like synchronization...