Wiring a smart switch for a 3 way pre 1980 house. Does this gave a neutral? ?
I want to put in a smart switch on a 3 way switch, I know most switches need a neutral to do so. This is the wiring setup I have now. I know online it says most pre 1980s houses dont have a neutral. I have other wires that arent hooked up are one of those neutral or part of the 3 way switch?
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The vast majority of house build in the late 60's and forward had a neutral. AS has all ready be stated you can verify what you have. If in doubt check YouTube for a video.
get a multimeter and test them. In North America, a neutral will test 0 volts to ground and full continuity to ground. inside the breaker box, the neutrals and grounds are all wired to the ground bus anyway [-- you didn't say where you are ...]
it is false that a switch lead will never have a neutral line ... this is actually common in cases where there are multiple switches in the same bank [box] ... like at entryways where there is a switch for the overhead [hall] light and others for outdoor lights. and there will be one in a box that is shared with an outlet, such as in a bathroom.
btw, my house was built in 1976 -- the only places where a switch doesn't have a neutral in the box are single switches controlling just the overhead light or fan, or an outlet, in the room -- common in bedrooms. And all of those have a ground in them.
NO. Either you have a neutral in the box, or you don't. That said, your source claiming ANY circuit doesn't have a neutral CANNOT be accurate. That said, a switch leg, by ts very nature, doesn't contain a neutral.pp
Update to Spock: The switches you describe as not having a neutral are literally the DEFINITION of a switch leg.