Are the gray wires in my switch boxes neutrals?
I’m trying to install new smart switches (box and switch oics included) where some old timer switches are currently installed. The new switches require a neutral wire and ground. Is the bundle of gray wires in the box the neutral wires and the bare (albeit with paint or drywall on them) wire the ground? If so, since my current switches don’t use a neutral or ground, can I just unravel any of the neutral and ground strands and use them in the new switches? Thank you for any help.
wiring
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
I’m trying to install new smart switches (box and switch oics included) where some old timer switches are currently installed. The new switches require a neutral wire and ground. Is the bundle of gray wires in the box the neutral wires and the bare (albeit with paint or drywall on them) wire the ground? If so, since my current switches don’t use a neutral or ground, can I just unravel any of the neutral and ground strands and use them in the new switches? Thank you for any help.
wiring
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Eek. That's one of those Sonoffs, otherwise known as a Chinese cheapie. Except without the "cheap". Those are not UL-listed and are neither safe nor legal for use in the US. (or really any country). That's why you had to mail-order it and could not buy it in a big-box store like Home Depot. Even Amazon proper doesn't sell it, it's sold through their third-party Marketplace sellers.
– Harper
7 hours ago
1
Here's what I mean, when you search the product all you see for sellers is ebay, amazon marketplace, ali express etc. When you see that, run screaming.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Not entirely accurate. When I search, I get the listing for Amazon, and it is fulfilled by Amazon. This means Amazon stocks this item in their fulfillment centers for distribution. Now, yes, you may have other sellers offering them for a lower price, and you might wait up to a month to get them, because they come from China. Here is some info that I have found concerning Listings festo.com/cms/en-us_us/1346.htm
– Jeff Cates
2 hours ago
add a comment |
I’m trying to install new smart switches (box and switch oics included) where some old timer switches are currently installed. The new switches require a neutral wire and ground. Is the bundle of gray wires in the box the neutral wires and the bare (albeit with paint or drywall on them) wire the ground? If so, since my current switches don’t use a neutral or ground, can I just unravel any of the neutral and ground strands and use them in the new switches? Thank you for any help.
wiring
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I’m trying to install new smart switches (box and switch oics included) where some old timer switches are currently installed. The new switches require a neutral wire and ground. Is the bundle of gray wires in the box the neutral wires and the bare (albeit with paint or drywall on them) wire the ground? If so, since my current switches don’t use a neutral or ground, can I just unravel any of the neutral and ground strands and use them in the new switches? Thank you for any help.
wiring
wiring
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
edited 7 hours ago
isherwood
49.3k456126
49.3k456126
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
asked 9 hours ago
user98017user98017
211
211
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
user98017 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
Eek. That's one of those Sonoffs, otherwise known as a Chinese cheapie. Except without the "cheap". Those are not UL-listed and are neither safe nor legal for use in the US. (or really any country). That's why you had to mail-order it and could not buy it in a big-box store like Home Depot. Even Amazon proper doesn't sell it, it's sold through their third-party Marketplace sellers.
– Harper
7 hours ago
1
Here's what I mean, when you search the product all you see for sellers is ebay, amazon marketplace, ali express etc. When you see that, run screaming.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Not entirely accurate. When I search, I get the listing for Amazon, and it is fulfilled by Amazon. This means Amazon stocks this item in their fulfillment centers for distribution. Now, yes, you may have other sellers offering them for a lower price, and you might wait up to a month to get them, because they come from China. Here is some info that I have found concerning Listings festo.com/cms/en-us_us/1346.htm
– Jeff Cates
2 hours ago
add a comment |
1
Eek. That's one of those Sonoffs, otherwise known as a Chinese cheapie. Except without the "cheap". Those are not UL-listed and are neither safe nor legal for use in the US. (or really any country). That's why you had to mail-order it and could not buy it in a big-box store like Home Depot. Even Amazon proper doesn't sell it, it's sold through their third-party Marketplace sellers.
– Harper
7 hours ago
1
Here's what I mean, when you search the product all you see for sellers is ebay, amazon marketplace, ali express etc. When you see that, run screaming.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Not entirely accurate. When I search, I get the listing for Amazon, and it is fulfilled by Amazon. This means Amazon stocks this item in their fulfillment centers for distribution. Now, yes, you may have other sellers offering them for a lower price, and you might wait up to a month to get them, because they come from China. Here is some info that I have found concerning Listings festo.com/cms/en-us_us/1346.htm
– Jeff Cates
2 hours ago
1
1
Eek. That's one of those Sonoffs, otherwise known as a Chinese cheapie. Except without the "cheap". Those are not UL-listed and are neither safe nor legal for use in the US. (or really any country). That's why you had to mail-order it and could not buy it in a big-box store like Home Depot. Even Amazon proper doesn't sell it, it's sold through their third-party Marketplace sellers.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Eek. That's one of those Sonoffs, otherwise known as a Chinese cheapie. Except without the "cheap". Those are not UL-listed and are neither safe nor legal for use in the US. (or really any country). That's why you had to mail-order it and could not buy it in a big-box store like Home Depot. Even Amazon proper doesn't sell it, it's sold through their third-party Marketplace sellers.
– Harper
7 hours ago
1
1
Here's what I mean, when you search the product all you see for sellers is ebay, amazon marketplace, ali express etc. When you see that, run screaming.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Here's what I mean, when you search the product all you see for sellers is ebay, amazon marketplace, ali express etc. When you see that, run screaming.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Not entirely accurate. When I search, I get the listing for Amazon, and it is fulfilled by Amazon. This means Amazon stocks this item in their fulfillment centers for distribution. Now, yes, you may have other sellers offering them for a lower price, and you might wait up to a month to get them, because they come from China. Here is some info that I have found concerning Listings festo.com/cms/en-us_us/1346.htm
– Jeff Cates
2 hours ago
Not entirely accurate. When I search, I get the listing for Amazon, and it is fulfilled by Amazon. This means Amazon stocks this item in their fulfillment centers for distribution. Now, yes, you may have other sellers offering them for a lower price, and you might wait up to a month to get them, because they come from China. Here is some info that I have found concerning Listings festo.com/cms/en-us_us/1346.htm
– Jeff Cates
2 hours ago
add a comment |
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
The grey wires need to stay bundled together as do the copper ground wires - you can't just pull one out and use it. In order to use these bundles, you will have to add a small length of wire (of the same type and color) to the bundles (commonly referred to as a pigtail) and attach that to your new switch. When adding a wire to the bundle, it's best to use a new wire nut fastener, and make sure that it is rated for the number and size of conductors being bundled.
Also, with the smart switch, the "live" and "load" wire position matters, but on the old switch it does not, so you might not know which is which. Live is the wire that is always hot and load is the wire that goes up to the light fixture.
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
1
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "73"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
user98017 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fdiy.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f159324%2fare-the-gray-wires-in-my-switch-boxes-neutrals%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
The grey wires need to stay bundled together as do the copper ground wires - you can't just pull one out and use it. In order to use these bundles, you will have to add a small length of wire (of the same type and color) to the bundles (commonly referred to as a pigtail) and attach that to your new switch. When adding a wire to the bundle, it's best to use a new wire nut fastener, and make sure that it is rated for the number and size of conductors being bundled.
Also, with the smart switch, the "live" and "load" wire position matters, but on the old switch it does not, so you might not know which is which. Live is the wire that is always hot and load is the wire that goes up to the light fixture.
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
1
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
The grey wires need to stay bundled together as do the copper ground wires - you can't just pull one out and use it. In order to use these bundles, you will have to add a small length of wire (of the same type and color) to the bundles (commonly referred to as a pigtail) and attach that to your new switch. When adding a wire to the bundle, it's best to use a new wire nut fastener, and make sure that it is rated for the number and size of conductors being bundled.
Also, with the smart switch, the "live" and "load" wire position matters, but on the old switch it does not, so you might not know which is which. Live is the wire that is always hot and load is the wire that goes up to the light fixture.
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
1
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
The grey wires need to stay bundled together as do the copper ground wires - you can't just pull one out and use it. In order to use these bundles, you will have to add a small length of wire (of the same type and color) to the bundles (commonly referred to as a pigtail) and attach that to your new switch. When adding a wire to the bundle, it's best to use a new wire nut fastener, and make sure that it is rated for the number and size of conductors being bundled.
Also, with the smart switch, the "live" and "load" wire position matters, but on the old switch it does not, so you might not know which is which. Live is the wire that is always hot and load is the wire that goes up to the light fixture.
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
The grey wires need to stay bundled together as do the copper ground wires - you can't just pull one out and use it. In order to use these bundles, you will have to add a small length of wire (of the same type and color) to the bundles (commonly referred to as a pigtail) and attach that to your new switch. When adding a wire to the bundle, it's best to use a new wire nut fastener, and make sure that it is rated for the number and size of conductors being bundled.
Also, with the smart switch, the "live" and "load" wire position matters, but on the old switch it does not, so you might not know which is which. Live is the wire that is always hot and load is the wire that goes up to the light fixture.
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
answered 8 hours ago
JPhi1618JPhi1618
8,90612142
8,90612142
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
1
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
1
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Ok, thank you. The switch manufacturer provided a small length of neutral wire as a pigtail, but since I don't have, or know how to use, a voltmeter and there is no distinguishing the live and load wires because they're both black, it sounds like I'm out of luck, correct? Thanks again for the help.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Right, there's really no way to tell without checking for voltage. Honestly a voltmeter/multimeter is a pretty basic, cheap tool these days and learning to use one would be great - but, I'm not sure I would mess around with high voltage before having those skills.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Thanks for such quick and helpful replies. I'll have to maybe look into getting and learning to use a voltmeter; I want to replace most of the switches with smart switches, so it'll likely be worthwhile.
– user98017
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Get a book on basic home wiring, too. There are a few situations you will run across that will be confusing or even dangerous if you've never seen it before. Replacing switches is a good DIY project, but you need some background info. Great job posting pictures and asking before messing around with the wire bundles.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
1
1
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
Right, "Live" is the one with voltage when the circuit is on. "Load" goes to the light and will show no voltage.
– JPhi1618
8 hours ago
|
show 1 more comment
user98017 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
user98017 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
user98017 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
user98017 is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fdiy.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f159324%2fare-the-gray-wires-in-my-switch-boxes-neutrals%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
1
Eek. That's one of those Sonoffs, otherwise known as a Chinese cheapie. Except without the "cheap". Those are not UL-listed and are neither safe nor legal for use in the US. (or really any country). That's why you had to mail-order it and could not buy it in a big-box store like Home Depot. Even Amazon proper doesn't sell it, it's sold through their third-party Marketplace sellers.
– Harper
7 hours ago
1
Here's what I mean, when you search the product all you see for sellers is ebay, amazon marketplace, ali express etc. When you see that, run screaming.
– Harper
7 hours ago
Not entirely accurate. When I search, I get the listing for Amazon, and it is fulfilled by Amazon. This means Amazon stocks this item in their fulfillment centers for distribution. Now, yes, you may have other sellers offering them for a lower price, and you might wait up to a month to get them, because they come from China. Here is some info that I have found concerning Listings festo.com/cms/en-us_us/1346.htm
– Jeff Cates
2 hours ago