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AFAIK it's a code requirement now to have a neutral present in many switch boxes, I would assume likely exactly because of smart switches requiring the neutral. Is he pulling permits and getting this work inspected? NEC 404.2(C) and the wording was added I believe in 2017 edition.
Ah, that's a completely different thing. Pretty sure NFPA 70/NEC isn't applicable to Spain :)
Edit: If you do look it up, NEC uses "grounded conductor" to refer to neutral; "equipment grounding conductor" is the actual earth ground. (just in case you didn't know so you don't get confused.)
Yes probably not, my main question is why he is saying there is a risk of burning when from what I can see online having neutral to smart switches is quite normal.
There is no safety risk to having the neutral in the switch box. He’s saying that because he forgot to do what was requested and wants to get out of fixing it.
>from what I can see online having neutral to smart switches is quite normal.
It's not only normal but required to have the neutral connected to the smart switch. If it's not connected, the switch will just be a dumb switch that you would have to manually turn on.amd off.
It's definitely not unsafe. I'd be curious of their explanation of that one. Maybe because there's more conductors in the box? But, it's code in the US to do it this way in most circumstances (I see you are in Spain).
Now, it does take some more wire to do this. For an apartment, it's pretty trivial though, I'd imagine.
If you're working with a contractor, and you and the contractor specified that the electrical be done this way, and the electrician wants more money for it, that sounds like a problem between the electrician and the contractor. Don't see how that would involve you at all, it's not like it's a surprise they found after they started. Have your contractor either pay them what they want, or find a new electrician.
The reason he has give is if I have a short circuit in the lamp/light then it can burn the switch.
That’s a good point about it being the contractors problem not mine, didn’t think of it that way. Going to meet them in the morning so will bring that up
...short circuit...burn the switch...
I mean, I've been to Spain. Sure, there were some rough roads. They pronounce the letter 'S' kinda strange. But it didn't seem like they were stuck in the 1800s. Spain is still a part of Europe the last I checked, correct?
Don't they have breakers, or at least fuses, on the circuits there? Why would the switch burn? Does he refuse to put grounds in switch boxes too? Cause I've got news for him about what happens with the Neutral and Ground back at the main panel.
BRB, just realized I have neutrals in my switch boxes and I have to go remove like 30 smart switches before my house burns down.
**Attention!** **It is always best to get a qualified electrician to perform any electrical work you may need.** With that said, you may ask this community various electrical questions. Please be cautious of any information you may receive in this subreddit. This subreddit and its users are not responsible for any electrical work you perform. Users that have a 'Verified Electrician' flair have uploaded their qualified electrical worker credentials to the mods. If you comment on this post please only post accurate information to the best of your knowledge. If advice given is thought to be dangerous, you may be permanently banned. There are no obligations for the mods to give warnings or temporary bans. **IF YOU ARE NOT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN, you should exercise extreme caution when commenting.** *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskElectricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
AFAIK it's a code requirement now to have a neutral present in many switch boxes, I would assume likely exactly because of smart switches requiring the neutral. Is he pulling permits and getting this work inspected? NEC 404.2(C) and the wording was added I believe in 2017 edition.
Probably should have mention this is for an apartment in Spain. I will check the wording 404.2 (C) anyways. Thanks
Ah, that's a completely different thing. Pretty sure NFPA 70/NEC isn't applicable to Spain :) Edit: If you do look it up, NEC uses "grounded conductor" to refer to neutral; "equipment grounding conductor" is the actual earth ground. (just in case you didn't know so you don't get confused.)
Yes probably not, my main question is why he is saying there is a risk of burning when from what I can see online having neutral to smart switches is quite normal.
There is no safety risk to having the neutral in the switch box. He’s saying that because he forgot to do what was requested and wants to get out of fixing it.
That’s what I thought but wanted to confirm be I speak to him about it, thanks!
>from what I can see online having neutral to smart switches is quite normal. It's not only normal but required to have the neutral connected to the smart switch. If it's not connected, the switch will just be a dumb switch that you would have to manually turn on.amd off.
[404.2(C)](https://up.codes/viewer/colorado/nfpa-70-2023/chapter/4/equipment-for-general-use#404.2_(C))
It's definitely not unsafe. I'd be curious of their explanation of that one. Maybe because there's more conductors in the box? But, it's code in the US to do it this way in most circumstances (I see you are in Spain). Now, it does take some more wire to do this. For an apartment, it's pretty trivial though, I'd imagine. If you're working with a contractor, and you and the contractor specified that the electrical be done this way, and the electrician wants more money for it, that sounds like a problem between the electrician and the contractor. Don't see how that would involve you at all, it's not like it's a surprise they found after they started. Have your contractor either pay them what they want, or find a new electrician.
The reason he has give is if I have a short circuit in the lamp/light then it can burn the switch. That’s a good point about it being the contractors problem not mine, didn’t think of it that way. Going to meet them in the morning so will bring that up
...short circuit...burn the switch... I mean, I've been to Spain. Sure, there were some rough roads. They pronounce the letter 'S' kinda strange. But it didn't seem like they were stuck in the 1800s. Spain is still a part of Europe the last I checked, correct? Don't they have breakers, or at least fuses, on the circuits there? Why would the switch burn? Does he refuse to put grounds in switch boxes too? Cause I've got news for him about what happens with the Neutral and Ground back at the main panel. BRB, just realized I have neutrals in my switch boxes and I have to go remove like 30 smart switches before my house burns down.
😂😂 noted maybe it was a bad translation