February 9, 2012 By Dave Rongey ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under Electrical
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Understanding the Ground and Neutral of Electrical Wiring |
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The Ground and Neutral of Electrical Wiring
- Upon removing old fixture, I discover there was no neutral wire.
- Only a single switched leg wire is in the box.
- How dangerous is it to use the grounding system for a neutral?
- I know its not code compliant, my question really is how dangerous would it be to reconnect the new fixture in the same manner as the old was.
This electrical question came from: Miles, a Handyman from Orland Park IL
See more about Home Wiring for Illinois
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Miles.
Ground and Neutral of Electrical Wiring
- First, lets make sure that you understand that a neutral wire is not used for a typical single light switch. Basically wiring used for a a switch is nothing more than a loop which passes through a light switch.
- Ground wires and Neutral wires are separate wires that are vitally important for the home electrical system. A ground wire is not intended to be a current carrying conductor. To use a ground wire for anything other than a ground would be very dangerous and is not recommended.
The Following links will assist you with Ground and Neutral Wiring
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
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Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
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Electrical Code Articles
Electrical Code Directory covering afci-circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical-gfci, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, smoke-detector,
For more information about Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring
Home electrical wiring projects with pictures and wiring diagrams.
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all projects.
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Your Area
