EET-114 Unit 6: Switch Control of Lighting Circuits and Receptacle Bonding

Flashcards on electrical conductor identification, toggle switch types, CEC rules, color coding, and receptacle connections.

Neutral Conductor

A grounded circuit conductor, identified by white or natural grey insulation in residential wiring, that serves as a common return path in AC circuits.

Phase Conductor

An ungrounded circuit conductor, also referred to as a "hot" conductor, that delivers electrical power from the source to the load.

CEC Rule 4-028

Canadian Electrical Code rule stipulating that AC grounded conductors must have an outer covering of white, grey, or three continuous white stripes, while ungrounded conductors must not use these colors or green.

Two-Wire Branch Circuit Cable (14/2)

A cable assembly consisting of one black phase conductor, one white grounded conductor, and one bare equipment bonding conductor.

Three-Wire Branch Circuit Cable (14/3)

A cable assembly consisting of one black phase conductor, one red phase conductor, one white grounded conductor, and one bare equipment bonding conductor.

Four-Wire Cable

A cable assembly consisting of one black phase conductor, one red phase conductor, one blue phase conductor, one white grounded conductor, and one bare equipment bonding conductor.

CEC Rule 4-036(2)

Canadian Electrical Code regulation for conduit installations permitting any color for hot phase conductors except green (reserved for grounding/bonding) and white or grey (reserved for grounded identified conductors).

Changing Conductor Colors

The practice outlined in CEC Table 1 for re-identifying conductor colors using colored tape or paint (or stripping insulation bare for grounding conductors larger than No. 2 AWG).

Single-Pole Switch

A general-use toggle switch used to control a light or other electrical load from a single switching location.

Double-Pole Switch

A switch that controls two separate circuits simultaneously from a single toggle position or safely opens both hot conductors of a $240\text{ V}$ circuit.

Three-Way Switch

A single-pole, double-throw switch featuring one common terminal and two traveller terminals, used in pairs to control a lighting load from two distinct locations.

Four-Way Switch

A switch containing four terminals and no ON or OFF markings, installed between two three-way switches to enable control of a load from three or more locations.

Switch Loop

A wiring configuration where power feeds down to a switch using a white wire, and returns to the load as a hot switch leg via a black wire in accordance with Rule 4-034(2).

"T" Rating (Rule 14-508)

A switch designation indicating capability to handle the high initial current inrush of tungsten filament lamps up to the full ampere rating at $125\text{ V}$.

Cold Resistance of Tungsten

The low initial resistance of an unenergized tungsten bulb filament (e.g., $9.5\text{ }\frac{1}{x+1}$ cold vs. $144\text{ }\frac{1}{x+1}$ hot at $100\text{ }\frac{1}{x+1}$ voltage), which causes a momentary high inrush current.

Rule 2-106

Canadian Electrical Code provision restricting maximum voltage to ground in dwelling units to $150\text{ V}$, which prohibits $347\text{ V}$ switches in residential construction.

Split-Wired Receptacle Break-Off Tab

A removable tab connecting the upper and lower line terminals of a duplex receptacle, allowing independent circuit feeds or switch control to each outlet.

CEC Rule 30-602

The rule mandating that the white (identified) circuit conductor must always connect directly to the white or silver terminal of a lampholder or receptacle.