Re: Newbie Advice needed

[Free <Free-spam-me-not@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Excellent information.  Thank you.

"brobin" <nospam@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>In my new house I specified a neutral in every box to support the switches.
>It's not a requirement by code and serves no purpose for a switched leg
>using a dumb toggle switch.  Here's why you care and want the neutral:  Any
>X10 based switch needs a path to neutral even when the switch is off so that
>it can remain active and "hear" the X10 signal commanding it to turn on.
>Without the neutral the signal path is completed through a trickle current
>through the bulb's filament.  This works well most of the time but is not as
>reliable as a wired path to neutral. Without the neutral the bulb's filament
>can be a variable particularly as it ages and at low wattages.
> Do NOT use ground as a neutral - it is a clear code violation and can be
>dangerous. Code requires that neutral and ground be common ONLY at the
>service panel.
>
>"Free" <Free-spam-me-not@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>news:v8n4a1h0c5c61ujtllhtaa43fedkggair9@xxxxxxxxxx
>> Question about switches: My house is about 15 years old.  From
>> replacing regular switches over the years, I only see (and expect to
>> see) two wires at a switch - one from the line and one to the load.  I
>> don't know why you would ever need to see a neutral wire for a simple
>> switch.  SmartHome has the "SwitchLinc RX" series, which does not need
>> a neutral wire.  Implying that the regular SwitchLinc and, the ones I
>> want to use, all ToggleLincs do have to have a neutral wire.  I am
>> confused.
>>
>> Do new houses really have a neutral wire?  If so, why?  Can I use the
>> grounding wire for neutral?  Thanks again.
>