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It could be that the switch box is used as a junction box. This is quite common in house wiring. If it is a three wire that you found this condition on then this is what is going on. If you shut the breaker off when you were working on the circuit, turn the breaker above it and the breaker below it and that should turn off the second hot wire.

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Wiki User

13y ago

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AnswerBot

8mo ago

Two live wires to an electrical switch could be present if the switch is part of a circuit that requires two separate sources of power to operate, or if it is part of a three-way or four-way switch setup where multiple switches control the same lighting fixture. It could also be due to improper wiring, which is a safety hazard and should be corrected by a qualified electrician.

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Wiki User

10y ago

A switch on the live wire means, when off, current can't flow past the switch and reach a bulb, for instance. If the switch was on the neutral side, when off, the current would be able to reach the bulb and the bulb holder would be live - chance of a shock!

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9y ago
For safety it removes all power from the socket.
if the switch was in series with the neutral wire the socket would still have power on it with the switch off and dangerous shocks would e possible!
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12y ago

As a safety precaution.

If the Neutral wire is switched, the rest of the appliance would be 'Hot' or have live voltage on (in?) it.

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Q: Why would there be 2 live wires to an electrical switch?
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How do you fix a light switch after two live wires touch?

There has to be more to this question for a good answer. For the most part a light switch has two contacts, with a wire at each one. One live wire and another going to the light itself. There is also a neutral wire return (from the light to the electrical panel). There is only one live wire in any electrical circuit. [Please, don't flame me with examples of multiple electrical sources in circuitry. We're talking about home lighting.] If somehow you shorted the live wire from the switch to the electrical box (ground) or to another wire in the box, it was only momentary and you can just proceed with replacing the switch. It's a good idea to turn off the power first.


What are all of the names of the appliance wires?

The names of common appliance wires include live, neutral, and ground wires. Live wires carry electrical current, neutral wires complete the circuit by returning current to the source, and ground wires provide a path for electricity to safely discharge in case of a fault.


Can you change a single pole switch to adouble pole switch for your winch.I got a new switch single pole switch but think i needs a double which should be 2 wires in and 2 wires out?

Yes, you can change a single pole switch to a double pole switch for your winch. A double pole switch will have two input wires (live and neutral) and two output wires to control the winch operation. Make sure to follow proper wiring and safety guidelines when making the switch to ensure the correct function.


Why live and neutral wire essential for proper working of electrical circuit?

Two wires are always needed to supply electrical equipment so that the current has a complete circuit to flow in. One of the wires is earthed at the supply transformer, that one is called the neutral, and the other one is the live.


When the main switch opf a house circuit is put off what does it disconnect?

When the main switch of a house circuit is turned off, it disconnects power supply to all the electrical outlets, appliances, and lighting fixtures connected to that circuit. This ensures that no electricity is flowing through the wires and prevents any potential hazards or accidents related to electrical equipment.

Related questions

What should be done with unused live electrical wires?

Unused live electrical wires should be properly insulated and stored in a safe place to prevent any accidental contact or damage. It is important to follow electrical safety guidelines and regulations when handling live wires to avoid potential hazards.


What is the standard color coding for red, black, and white electrical wires in a circuit?

The standard color coding for electrical wires in a circuit is red for live or hot wires, black for neutral wires, and white for ground wires.


Why are wires in a plug colour coded?

Wires in a plug are color coded to ensure consistency and safety in electrical connections. Different colors denote different functions of the wires, such as live, neutral, and ground. This coding system helps electricians and users identify and connect wires correctly to prevent electrical hazards.


What are the different colors of wire, including brown, blue, and green, used for in electrical installations?

Brown wires are typically used for live or hot wires, blue wires are used for neutral wires, and green wires are used for grounding in electrical installations.


How can i find out if the live wires i found in my wall are for a light switch or an outlet?

Use a voltage tester held next to the wire. Turn the switch off. If the tester stops beeping then the wires are on that switch.


What is the difference between blue and brown wiring in electrical systems?

Blue wiring is typically used for neutral wires in electrical systems, while brown wiring is commonly used for live or hot wires. Neutral wires carry current back to the power source, while live wires carry current from the power source to the electrical device. It is important to correctly identify and connect these wires to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the electrical system.


If you were making a tool used to handle live electrical wires which class of materials would you most likely use?

These materials must be insulators.


What are the safety measures against electric shock?

&middot; Never touch the live electrical wires &middot; Never touch electrical plugs with wet hands &middot; Use dry or rubber soled Sholes while repairing the electrical works &middot; Never touch the live and naked wires


When you unplug a switch it still has some currentwhy?

That would depend on the application of your switch. If your switch is coupled with a capacitor, then the capacitor may hold a charge. If your switch has multiple live power sources, you might not be fully disconnecting it from live current. The basic theory of an electrical switch is to connect and/or disconnect an electrical circuit. The switch itself either conducts or insulates against the flow of electricity, and does not maintain it's own charge.


How do you fix a light switch after two live wires touch?

There has to be more to this question for a good answer. For the most part a light switch has two contacts, with a wire at each one. One live wire and another going to the light itself. There is also a neutral wire return (from the light to the electrical panel). There is only one live wire in any electrical circuit. [Please, don't flame me with examples of multiple electrical sources in circuitry. We're talking about home lighting.] If somehow you shorted the live wire from the switch to the electrical box (ground) or to another wire in the box, it was only momentary and you can just proceed with replacing the switch. It's a good idea to turn off the power first.


What are all of the names of the appliance wires?

The names of common appliance wires include live, neutral, and ground wires. Live wires carry electrical current, neutral wires complete the circuit by returning current to the source, and ground wires provide a path for electricity to safely discharge in case of a fault.


How do you wire a double light switch?

To wire a double light switch, you will need to connect the live wire from the power source to the common terminal of the switch. Then, connect the live wires from each light fixture to the other terminals of the switch. Make sure to also connect the neutral wires together and the ground wires to the grounding terminal. It is important to turn off the power before working on the wiring to avoid any accidents.