neutrals at switches

[wattsup]

easy peasy wiring....i never used to do it, but now seems common practice...I was intending to use dp grid switches...but now ahhh, we want dimmers . No probs with the rotary dimmers but a neutral connected in the backbox. Is that bad pactice?

 

[Adam W]

I dislike doing that in domestic properties because i don't trust some householder not to come along and 'convert' it into a socket to run their vacuum cleaner off.
Otherwise it's perfectly acceptable (easier for downlighers) and you don't even need DP switches - you can use a bit of terminal block behind the switch because the joint is accessible.

 

[Guest123]

Have a look.....

http://www.electriciansforums.net/e...forum/14868-loop-loop-out.html?highlight=loop

 

[RexT]

Hi Wattsup,

It used to be considered bad practice but is now acccepted. If the neutrals are clearly identified by colour and installed as per BS7671 etc I don't think there is an issue. It is taught in colleges as an option to 'take the power to the switch'as well as to the ceiling rose. I agree with NovusSparkus that the DIYer will or can do conversions but surely the comeback would be with them if the installation complied? We can't prevent such changes and provided the installation was correctly documented and legal then the law should protet the electrician.

Hope this helps,

Best wishes

Rex

 

[Spudnik]

I cant see an issue myself, and do it most of the time, especially when there are downlights involved.

 

[sythai]

Yep do it most of the time, much easier...

you can use a bit of terminal block behind the switch

you can also use one of these, which are very good quality, quick and simple to use:

 

[baldsparkies]

It,s been common place for years in the commercial world,especially on a conduit install. In the domestic world I am not convinced that this should become the norm over 3 plate. Just an opinion I know. And why the need for neutrals at the switch, just because a dimmer is involved ? There are so many line and load only dimmers on the market.

 

[baldsparkies]

Yep do it most of the time, much easier...

you can also use one of these, which are very good quality, quick and simple to use:

Good old wago connectors

 

[b-spark]

easy peasy wiring....i never used to do it, but now seems common practice...I was intending to use dp grid switches...but now ahhh, we want dimmers . No probs with the rotary dimmers but a neutral connected in the backbox. Is that bad pactice?

on a tech note it helps to cancel out emf running them together you can see it happening with tv's sometimes when you get flux on the picture. Really helps those with hearing aids thats why on 3plate you wire induction loops on two ways.

 

[bugsy]

The only advantage in having neutrals at the switch in my opinion is retro fitting some wirless retrofit systems ( Jung & C-Bus ) which require a neutral to the switch

 

[davelerave]

The only advantage in having neutrals at the switch in my opinion is retro fitting some wirless retrofit systems ( Jung & C-Bus ) which require a neutral to the switch

it can simplify the connecting at lights

 

[baldsparkies]

Another consideration should be given to the fact that for a number of reasons it can be an advantage having a permanent live at the fittings ie ext fans, smoke detectors, even a possible e/m light fitting. all possibles at a future date, with 3 plate. Also whilst it may simplify connections at the light fittings,to have neutrals at the switch, it will complicate things at the switch positions. I would only do this if neccassary, again just an opinion. Also any inductive/back emf sensitive equipment should be run in screened or shielded cables to be on the safe side anyway's. Again just an observation, we all have our prefferances.

 

[Retroviper]

I think it is great to just have the one cable at the light and like to do it where i can when I know fancy lights are being used.
I hate chasing though so I wouldn't bother to do it on a rewire if I could pull one cable down to the switch but not three.

 

[wattsup]

And why the need for neutrals at the switch, just because a dimmer is involved ?

no need, as i said i was going to use dp switches, then the customer later decides on dimmer switches, so i'm stuck wiith neutrals in a connector, at that particular switch.

the reason I was using dp switches was simply for my own get out of jail card...what neutrals at switches!...err yes but dp switches. In the commercial / industrial world it is unheard of, all singles in conduit, trunking is the norm.

 

[wattsup]

3 rooms have 12 downlights in each room, 2 rooms have 6 downlights, the bathroom has 8, and the 2 en-suite have 6 in each...hence i like neutrals at switches now -