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NO! Never switch the neutral, just switch the hot. You would be creating a shock hazard. Switching neutral leaves live voltage at the device even when it appears off. Someone touching the hot and grounded would get a shock.

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13y ago
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14y ago

It would work the same way as switching the live, but it's not good practice in the real world. People expect to find switches on the live feed. You might still find negative switching in cars and some other extra low voltage applications.

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Switching the neutral side of the load will shut the load off but does not isolate the load from a potential to ground. There will still be a voltage reading on the "hot" and neutral wires of the load to ground which is a serious safety concern. This is why the switch is always installed on the "hot" side of the load.

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6mo ago

No, electric switches should be connected to the hot wire in order to control the flow of electricity. The neutral wire provides a return path for the current and does not need to be switched.

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15y ago

Always switch the hot conductor.

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Q: Would you put an electric switch on a neutral wire?
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