Why do I need a neutral in every switchbox?

In this video, I explain my reasoning for running an unused neutral to a switch box.
This topic was introduced in a previous video, How to Add a Switch to an Outlet, which can be watched here: • How to Switch an Outlet
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[@fatmongo]

I wish whoever wired my house before I moved in had this video.

[@handydadtv]

Yeah it sucks to pull new wires.

[@MattTakesPhotos]

I went to install smart switches and didn't have a neutral in the box. I had to replace the existing 14/2 with 14/3 and it worked like a charm. The rest of the switches were just fine, however they weren't at the end of the run. I guess that's what you get from a 1971 Commodore manufactured home. Thanks for this info!

[@handydadtv]

Gotta love old houses 👍🏻

[@user-bv2tj3kd6d]

I agree with you, but it’s important to mention this; There are two exceptions to this requirement. If installation is with raceway where a neutral can be added or if in a wall cavity with access to make a neutral available.

[@handydadtv]

Sure. But I think it’s still a lot easier to run 3-conductor wire.

[@deepakcse007]

Thanks ... Very informative!!!

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@patrickbauer5358]

Good video. Pretty sure new code requires neutral in every box now too.

[@handydadtv]

I think so, but may not be adopted everywhere.

[@mrniusi11]

Code is for slaves

[@gaztorzambroni3831]

Great explanation, thanks.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks 😊

[@BruceHill-rm4vw]

Not only it's a good idea to install a grounded conductor ( neutral) in the switch box it's required by the NEC.

[@handydadtv]

Thanks for confirming.

[@b.b.5705]

Love this and yes it did convince me. Especially since I'm adding smart features to my home

[@handydadtv]

Glad to hear!

[@kathybray7156]

Excellent information❤

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@chrisharrison4377]

Thanks buddy and it helps me out

[@handydadtv]

Glad it was helpful 👍🏻

[@edgararcega3046]

I just started learning about electrical switches and outlets and i think im jumping the gun trying to learn this. Better focus on basics for now.

[@handydadtv]

I would love to do a complete beginner’s course. Not that I’m an expert.

[@jacobclarke7767]

Great video

[@handydadtv]

Thanks so much 😊

[@conradmorin1891]

Thank You for your very informative and well thought-out videos. I have one question to ask, in reference to the 1st way that you demonstrated how to wire a 3-way switch to a light........and my question is, could one use the neutral wire with the black tape (Hot) and add a pigtail (black) to feed receptacles on the same circuit, and if so, how can it be safely and legally done?

[@handydadtv]

Sure

[@RaulMartinez-yp6ud]

Bueno amigo gracias por tu videos que dios te bendiga

[@handydadtv]

De nada

[@fltech189]

Nice!

[@handydadtv]

Thanks

[@ttfweb1]

Yup! I have had to run a number of neutrals to upgrade to smart switches.

[@handydadtv]

Uninformed people are often tempted to use the ground as a neutral in those situations. Thankfully you’re not one of them. 👍🏻

[@ttfweb1]

@@handydadtv ground = no bueno. 😬

[@jamesbyers1165]

I think this is what I need for my situation of having power go to my lights first and then 3 way switched after the lights. Everything I see shows 12/2 wire going to the lights and then 12/2 from the light to the first 3 way switch where the neutral is marked as hot like in a switch loop. I think I actually need 12/3 from the light to the first switch so I can carry over the neutral and then I'd use the red wire for the switch loop to the first 3 way. Is that right? Or how would that work?

[@handydadtv]

Correct. If you want a neutral at the switch, you need another wire to use as a conductor.

[@bradvuong]

I am having trouble installing a smart switch on a 20A circuit. I am using a 15A Lutron smart switch. Is the different amperage the cause of my problem?

[@handydadtv]

No, you’re fine. That just means the load on the switch can’t exceed 15A. Could be a defective switch.

[@grecohernandez3504]

replace in braker general electric 50 amp double pole for a d homlite 50amp in an eaton sub panel but the d homelite braker had no continuity could you help me understand why thanks

[@handydadtv]

Sorry. Please call an electrician.

[@williamhoudersheldt7076]

In my situation, the POWER is coming from the light fixture to the switch (one wire), the second wire is going from the switch to a receptacle. Previously the light was controlled by a pull string, I'm trying to install a new LED light and want to control it with the switch, but I also want the receptacle to have constant power. Can you help?

[@handydadtv]

You need to run a 3-conductor wire between the light and the switch. Then you can use the red wire from the switch to power the light.

[@Jean-yu3vy]

I just bought the BMW x5 45e. and I have a problem with the charging system. charging code with come with is so slow. it only has 10 Amp. how to make this fast charge system could you do some videos for BMW buyers? thank you very much

[@handydadtv]

I don’t have a BMW to test with. Sorry.

[@AltruisticWarrior]

You'd need to run a separate higher amp breaker I imagine with 10/3 wiring. A 15 amp breaker shared with other outlets is not nearly enough for a fast charging system. Basically need the same setup like an oven or hot water heater.

[@dilianomartin.293]

I can wire a light control by a 3 way switch, problem is I don't have a 3 way switch, only one way, two way and a single pole switch that I've used.

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@Ralith09]

How do you wire for a 3/4 way?

[@handydadtv]

How to wire 3-way circuits kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5Dddadsnq9-mrM

[@larrytheplumber9851]

Thanks now

[@handydadtv]

Lol! My pleasure.

[@THE_WOAT]

Total pain in the arse when you convert to smart switches and find that every other switch box is missing the neutral wire.

[@handydadtv]

There are limited options for smart switches that do not require a neutral wire.

[@ChadTodhunter-ud2vh]

Does that switch need to be grounded?

[@TedTedness-wu4vb]

He grounded every switch that I could see.

[@handydadtv]

Unless your house is so old that it doesn’t have ground wires, yes you should always ground every device.

[@ktmidol]

My house is a 1930 built. What can I expect eh!

[@handydadtv]

You can expect challenges at every turn. But a high degree of satisfaction when you conquer them.

[@crist503]

😂 👍🏽

[@handydadtv]

👍🏻

[@kennethlewsader824]

Ok so sorry I think, or petty sure. It wasn't. My ex room mate mixed it all up. That switch had a sof😮t feel to it. I went to town! He sav

[@handydadtv]

🧐