[PLUG-TALK] electrical wiring question

Denis Heidtmann denis.heidtmann at gmail.com
Fri May 27 15:03:46 UTC 2016


I replaced a wall light switch for a relative (arcing in the switch).  The
time was short-- we had to leave for our plane, so I did not spend the
proper time examining the situation.  Looking back on what I recall I saw
in the box leads to this question.

The old switch was a 3-way, but only two of the terminals were connected.
The lower connection had a white wire; the upper had one white and one
black wire.  I observed at least one wire nut in the box and  some bare
copper wires fastened to the box.  I replaced the switch with a 1-way
(spst) and connected the wires as they had been.  The light functioned fine
after the replacement.

I was told that this switch and light had been in place for at least 20
years; no new work done in that room.  I asked if in the past there had
been a second switch controlling that light.  I was told "no".

Prior to shutting off the power to change the switch I touched the
terminals in the light socket to see if I could determine if the switch was
installed in the neutral lead--I could sense no voltage, but this may mean
nothing.

Is  there any legitimate reason to connect a black and white wire
together?  I have been trying to conjure some historical reason for this
wiring, but cannot.  In hindsight I desperately wish I had spent some time
studying the situation.

Ideas?

thanks,
-Denis
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