Light socket wiring question....?
Question:I have a light socket up in my attic and I want use the power source there to run somewhere else. I need the hot and a neutral...will the white be a neutral or could it be like in a light switch when they aren't always neutral. And there's a light switch to this socket. It if was at the end of the run, could that cause problems?
Answers:
If the light socket is at the end of the line it would be a problem. That would mean anytime the attic light was turned off your new project would be turned off to. Do you see a line going to the light socket then one going from the light socket to the switch or do you see just the one line going to the light socket from the light switch? If it's just the one line from the light switch then your power source is in the switch box and you need to start your wiring project there. Which ever box the power line goes into first black will be the power white will be neutral and bare copper the ground. Good luck with your project
If the socket was correctly wired in the first place, there are 2 wires - a neutral (should be white) and a switched hot (should be black) that goes back to the controlling switch. And a ground, to the light fixture, for safety. The other wire at the switch should be a permanent hot wire (also black) that goes to the circuit breaker.
Use a voltmeter to confirm how your socket is wired.
Not sure what you mean by 'at the end of the run'? In any case, all devices wired in the switch's hot run will be controlled simultaneously. First, last and in the middle.
The main issue is to check the amperage capacity of the circuit breaker protecting this light socket run. Most lighting circuits have only a 15 amp capacity (14 gauge copper wires.) If that is enough for your appliances, you should be fine. If not, you'll need to find another higher capacity cable run, or need to pull a 12 gauge wire and install a 20 amp breaker.
Hire a retired electrician or competent handyman if you need more help, to keep your house wiring safe.
if you want to run power to another outlet than you will have to come off the 'line' side of the switch to the outlet this will be your common black 'hot' and white 'neutral
the wiring sometimes used in a switch making the white wire the 'switch leg' we just call it a switch loop tho one common romax wire any case make sure to turn the power to that ckt off it will light your life up for sure
white is neutral black is hot,turn off the power when doing this,job.
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