Installing
Convenience Devices

[lesson title]

BASIC SWITCHES

The electrical device itself (color, shape, and printed words) provides important installation information (Figure 1-1).

Figure 1-1.   Electrical switches

The UL stamp (Figure 1-2) means that the Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL) has tested the device and found it safe for use.

Figure 1-2.   Safety tested stamp

Switches are now manufactured with green grounding screws attached. This will allow for the circuit and the switch to be grounded without using a metal box (Figure 1-3).

Figure 1-3.   Green ground screw found on most new switches

Devices may have the initials "CU/AL" imprinted on them (Figure 1-4). This means the device is approved for copper and aluminum conductors. However, due to a change in the NEC, aluminum conductors cannot be used for interior branch circuits. They are only approved for service-entrance installations.

Figure 1-4.   Approved conductors

The proper wiring of a circuit is one of the most important factors for installing a device. The NEC color code must be followed. Single-pole switches are not color-coded; both screws will be the same color.

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