skip to main content

Electrical Wiring

Snake just a hot to a "slave" light switch

11 years ago

The outside light switch is only ON when the basement light switch is also ON.

I'd like to use the outside light switch for a motion light, but the control rests with the basement light switch.

SO>>>.. can I SNAKE JUST a hot wire from a legit box to the outside light switch and thereby avoid the controlling baselight light switch ? I can install a 3 wire line, but so much simplier if I need only to SNAKE a hot

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

brickeyee
11 years ago
A single wire requires the protection of a cable jacket or conduit (of one of the many types available).
Ron Natalie
11 years ago
Further, the rules also require all the conductors of a circuit to be run together (in the same sheath or conduit). There are certain exceptions for some equipment ground retrofits, but you certainly can't have the grounded (i.e., neutral) running separate from hot.
Related Professionals
Bowling Green General Contractors · Browns Mills General Contractors · Cottage Grove General Contractors · Elmont General Contractors · Homewood General Contractors · Jackson General Contractors · La Grange Park General Contractors · Parkersburg General Contractors · Roseburg General Contractors · Rotterdam General Contractors · Albany Solar Energy Systems · Saratoga Springs Solar Energy Systems · Coronado Home Automation & Home Media · Minnetonka Home Automation & Home Media · Winchester Home Automation & Home Media
bus_driver
11 years ago
Running a single conductor in a metallic conduit results in induction heating, wasteful of electricity and potentially very dangerous.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Homeowners Are Flipping for Push-Button Light Switches

By Rachel Grace

Button-style switches are hot off the presses again, making news in new homes and antique remodels

DENS AND LIBRARIES Room of the Day: Princess the Snake Reigns in a Luxe Library

By Becky Harris

Sure, there are books. But in this library the custom snake habitat may be most worth checking out

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Hide Those Plugs and Switches

By Jason Ball Interior Design

5 ways to camouflage your outlets — or just make them disappear

MUDROOMS Room of the Day: This Mudroom Is Just Plain Hot

By Mary Jo Bowling

Wait till you see what’s behind the hooks and bins in this genius family drop zone

HOME TECH Switch On the Phone-Controlled Home

Lock your front door from afar, let your thermostat set itself and more when you use your phone as a control device

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Switch to a Tankless Water Heater

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

New project for a new year: Swap your conventional heater for an energy-saving model — and don’t be fooled by misinformation

GARDENING GUIDES How to Switch to an Organic Landscape Plan

By Falon Mihalic

Ditch the chemicals for a naturally beautiful lawn and garden, using living fertilizers and other nontoxic treatments

DREAM SPACES Just a Few Things for the Dream-Home Wish List

A sunken hot tub, dedicated game room, tree house, hidden wine cellar and more. Which of these home luxuries would you like best?

HOLIDAYS 12 Home Hot Spots for Holiday Decorating

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Deck these areas with garlands, lights and other seasonal decorations, and watch a festive mood take hold

Sponsored

Fine Designs & Interiors, Ltd.

28 Reviews

Columbus Leading Interior Designer - Best of Houzz 2014-2022

More Discussions

Glow effect on portico ceiling

14

Where to move back deck fan and light switch?

3

Need advice for bathroom recessed lighting placement

3

undercounter power strip and lighting

3

Does NEC require a DUPLEX receptacle in kitchen?

2