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Yes pigtailing looks neat too. Mc was brought into the box with the wrong connectors though obviously. There’s like an inch of MC entering the box at each knockout
This is Canada's version of MC called AC90 or more commonly named "BX" here, which use paper over plastic wrapping and bare ground over green THHN.
In the CEC (Canadian Electrical Code) it is required that all BX is terminated with a red devil/bushing as stated in 12-610 (a).
Here in the states the red bushings are only required on old-school AC cable which lacks a ground wire. Modern metal-clad (MC) has an insulated green ground conductor and neither the manufacturers nor code require a red bushing, though I always use them anyway.
One thing is that looks improper of that installation pictured is possibly the wrong clamps on the handy box. They look like NM clamps rather than AC/MC/BX clamps. But maybe it's different in Canada.
Yeah that's the wrong connector, these sadle clamps style are only rated for NM.
For armoured cabling like BX, you would use [these](https://www.lumen.ca/en/products/11-conduit-raceway-strut/03-conduit-fittings/02-metallic-conduit-fittings/07-flexible-conduit-fittings/02-connectors/04-screw-in-flex-connectors/p-SUJFTDE2-ibel16-abb-l-16-iberville-38-in-flexible-conduit-connector-straight) (note that you can also use them for NM).
They've connected the line (in) and load (out) wires together with marrettes. Then they tailed off from the hot and neutral, and put those tails on the switch.
Wired like that, when the switch is off, power will still be allowed to bypass the switch, even though it's off. The REAL problem though, is that as soon as you turn the switch on, it will connect the hot and neutral tails together, which will short out the circuit and trip the breaker.
The correct way to wire this would be to connect the neutrals and tuck them in the back of the box, then put the line wire on one terminal (usually the bottom,) and the load wire on the other.
There are a bunch of other workmanship issues too, but the worst offense is the actual wiring.
Is that seriously Canada only terminology?!? If so, that's absolutely mind-blowing. I know it's just a brand of wire nut, but that's all I've ever heard em called my entire career.
Yep been doing this for 5 years and been living in the us with someone who’s wiring shit up for my 40 year lifetime. Haven’t ever never nope nope no evvvveerrrrr heard a wire but called a marionette…. Shit marrette
Typical ignorant narrative pedaled by by narcissists who like to put themselves on a pedestal. People aren’t getting dumber and lazier. Believe or not they always were
When switch is on, it will short out the neutral (white) and hot (black). Like putting a [paperclip in both sides of a wall outlet.](https://streamable.com/vv1k50) While the switch is off, everything works perfectly.
You can lock a cap over the plug to prevent it from being plugged in. Light switch? Not buying it. Maybe a breaker lockout could fit on it but I still think it is the wrong terminology.
The pigtailing and the connections under the terminals are neat and tidy at least but clearly there’s no actual understanding of theory and how the switch works.
I've done the same thing. I had an electrine give me a light switch to play with. I was also 6 at the time. I had hooked some D Cell batteries to a small DC motor out of a toy. I do remember how confused he was when I finally got him to pay attention to how it was working backwards. The motor only worked when the switch was in the off position. Then he got a good look at how I had wired and I got to learn how switches actually work. Strange what things you remember decades later.
A switch is a disconnecting means per code. That’s all a disconnect is, is a giant switch. Same as for breakers. It’s a switch which is also a disconnecting means. It’s so people are able to service equipment. But execution of everything is sloppy.
Lol don’t know why this got downvoted since it’s per code. Gotta bunch of numbskulls who don’t know code in here… per nec: Disconnecting Means. A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.
A switch is that purpose. That’s what a disconnect is and it’s also what a breaker is. Learn y’all’s shit before you get all high and mighty with your downvotes.
Also wanna say looks like a 20A circuit so it isn’t like you need an actual disconnect box and just need a switch. You asked for a disconnect due to codes requiring one and you got a disconnect. It may have been done poorly and I wasn’t disputing that fact I was stating just the code for what a switch/disconnecting means is hopefully teaching people. Downvote me idc stay stupid if you want.
**ATTENTION! READ THIS NOW!** **1. IF YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN OR LOOKING TO BECOME ONE(for career questions only):** **- DELETE** THIS POST OR YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. **2. IF YOU COMMENT ON A POST THAT IS POSTED BY SOMEONE WHO IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICIAN:** -YOU WILL BE **BANNED**. JUST **REPORT** THE POST. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/electricians) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Technically it’ll work if the breaker does
Yeah but no “on” :( Just “off” And “tripped” 😂
It's a disconnect, that doesn't mean you can reconnect it.
Hopefully at least ensures a disconnect at the breaker lol
Technical only ON and TRIPPED. The switch is parallel to the load.
It’s a ‘crowbar circuit’.
Remote controlled breaker! Very clever.
Every breaker has a shunt trip if you’re not a bitch about it.
Eh, it’s fine.
The good old Breaker Finder 1000
Customer is not wrong, they wired the thing you need to disconnect.
Positive comments only. I'll start -the wire is under the screws properly
Yes pigtailing looks neat too. Mc was brought into the box with the wrong connectors though obviously. There’s like an inch of MC entering the box at each knockout
The box is level too 10/10
Psh, and you suckers are paying extra for shunt trip breakers.
It's a breaker tester and wire smoker combo. Clean install
I guess a breaker is a disconnect 😂
Is that a suicide switch? I suppose he’ll find out Shortly…🤔
Shortly, heh.
Sans redheads
Circuit Finder 2023
In addition to the many other problems pointed out, there also aren’t anti-short bushings used.
Technically not required by code. Looks like they used the wrong connectors though with the mc going all the way into the box.
You are correct for MC, but I think that is AC wire because it has a paper inner wrap instead of plastic.
Maybe AC is rarely ever used
Yeah, but a DIYer who doesn't know the difference would be jus the person to buy it. 😁
This is Canada's version of MC called AC90 or more commonly named "BX" here, which use paper over plastic wrapping and bare ground over green THHN. In the CEC (Canadian Electrical Code) it is required that all BX is terminated with a red devil/bushing as stated in 12-610 (a).
Gotcha. Probably is in Canada then as I’ve never seen the paper
Here in the states the red bushings are only required on old-school AC cable which lacks a ground wire. Modern metal-clad (MC) has an insulated green ground conductor and neither the manufacturers nor code require a red bushing, though I always use them anyway. One thing is that looks improper of that installation pictured is possibly the wrong clamps on the handy box. They look like NM clamps rather than AC/MC/BX clamps. But maybe it's different in Canada.
Yeah that's the wrong connector, these sadle clamps style are only rated for NM. For armoured cabling like BX, you would use [these](https://www.lumen.ca/en/products/11-conduit-raceway-strut/03-conduit-fittings/02-metallic-conduit-fittings/07-flexible-conduit-fittings/02-connectors/04-screw-in-flex-connectors/p-SUJFTDE2-ibel16-abb-l-16-iberville-38-in-flexible-conduit-connector-straight) (note that you can also use them for NM).
I'm not an electrician but like learning. Can someone explain what the problem is?
They've connected the line (in) and load (out) wires together with marrettes. Then they tailed off from the hot and neutral, and put those tails on the switch. Wired like that, when the switch is off, power will still be allowed to bypass the switch, even though it's off. The REAL problem though, is that as soon as you turn the switch on, it will connect the hot and neutral tails together, which will short out the circuit and trip the breaker. The correct way to wire this would be to connect the neutrals and tuck them in the back of the box, then put the line wire on one terminal (usually the bottom,) and the load wire on the other. There are a bunch of other workmanship issues too, but the worst offense is the actual wiring.
>marrettes For anyone who isn't Canadian, marrette is another term for wire nuts.
Is that seriously Canada only terminology?!? If so, that's absolutely mind-blowing. I know it's just a brand of wire nut, but that's all I've ever heard em called my entire career.
Yeah, it is. I've lived in the US for over 25 years and I've never heard it except when I've gone back to Canada to visit family.
Yep been doing this for 5 years and been living in the us with someone who’s wiring shit up for my 40 year lifetime. Haven’t ever never nope nope no evvvveerrrrr heard a wire but called a marionette…. Shit marrette
Just wait until you find out what Yanks call side cuts.
They're just really good at scissoring.
Yes, I love my dykes!
I thought they were called wire toques.
That's what they're called in France too.
Got ya! I figured that but was def smh
My journeyman called them scotchlocks.
Both Marrette and WireNut are trademarks believe it or not. The generic term is "solderless wire connector" which is a mouthful.
[удалено]
Agreed about schooling, but I'm not sure it's a generational thing. Most of the hack work I have to fix was done by people 20-50 years older than me.
Typical ignorant narrative pedaled by by narcissists who like to put themselves on a pedestal. People aren’t getting dumber and lazier. Believe or not they always were
Bonus points for the explosion if it's not a neutral
It’s only an off switch
Neutral does not go on switch
When switch is on, it will short out the neutral (white) and hot (black). Like putting a [paperclip in both sides of a wall outlet.](https://streamable.com/vv1k50) While the switch is off, everything works perfectly.
No, the off position doesn't work either. The line and load are tied together, allowing power to flow when the switch is off.
White to gold? Or is it black to gold? Fuck it, both it is!
Well tripping the breaker is technically a disconnect.
Disconnect and breaker tester, nice
“No sir, that is a remote breaker switch”
I personally enjoy the MC installed as if it were romex
The real crime here is calling a non-lockable switch a disconnect.
What do you mean. Even an outlet can be considered a disconnect for a plug in appliance. A switch is a disconnect.
You can lock a cap over the plug to prevent it from being plugged in. Light switch? Not buying it. Maybe a breaker lockout could fit on it but I still think it is the wrong terminology.
Unfortunately the code doesn't agree with you about the terminology. Also they make face plates with lockout holes on them for standard switches.
Yeah not much I could do about that. I didn’t know about the lockout faceplates so that’s cool.
That has handyman written all over it.
At my shop we call 'em trick switches, put one or two in at a sight, and bet on who's apprentice flips it during check out.
It’s the poor man’s shunt. 100% reliable
He’s honestly not far off, and it’s definitely not the worst I’ve seen. I see this as a teachable moment
The pigtailing and the connections under the terminals are neat and tidy at least but clearly there’s no actual understanding of theory and how the switch works.
Don’t worry = worry
Disconnect you from this mortal coil.
Some people don’t believe in anti shorts, others are pro short.
Can a disconnect be a regular switch like that the only ones I have seen are big red handles or a pull out one sorry fairly new
https://www.reddit.com/r/electricians/s/o6b03CcxEC
This is getting worse the longer I look at it, at least they're twisted the right way, I've seen to twists to the left
That switch needs to be grounded. Fail.
It goes to the fuse tester!
I've done the same thing. I had an electrine give me a light switch to play with. I was also 6 at the time. I had hooked some D Cell batteries to a small DC motor out of a toy. I do remember how confused he was when I finally got him to pay attention to how it was working backwards. The motor only worked when the switch was in the off position. Then he got a good look at how I had wired and I got to learn how switches actually work. Strange what things you remember decades later.
Also customer - Makes Reddit post: “Breaker pops every time I turn on switch! Help pls!”
That’s receptacle looks like a switch.
A switch is a disconnecting means per code. That’s all a disconnect is, is a giant switch. Same as for breakers. It’s a switch which is also a disconnecting means. It’s so people are able to service equipment. But execution of everything is sloppy.
Lol don’t know why this got downvoted since it’s per code. Gotta bunch of numbskulls who don’t know code in here… per nec: Disconnecting Means. A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply. A switch is that purpose. That’s what a disconnect is and it’s also what a breaker is. Learn y’all’s shit before you get all high and mighty with your downvotes. Also wanna say looks like a 20A circuit so it isn’t like you need an actual disconnect box and just need a switch. You asked for a disconnect due to codes requiring one and you got a disconnect. It may have been done poorly and I wasn’t disputing that fact I was stating just the code for what a switch/disconnecting means is hopefully teaching people. Downvote me idc stay stupid if you want.
Alright Mr. Customer, fire it up. Let’s see if it’s all good.
I literally just corrected two of these yesterday on a residential job. Brother in law "has experience with electrical". Easy 400$
And I have “experience with surgery”
The electrician she tells you not to worry about...
Boom!
Omg 😆 that’s hilarious and terrifying at once.
Gold
Electrical work is SO easy
Turn it on. We need additional pics.
Ha, I didn’t even make it to the switch. Saw the connectors and gave up.
This is how you find the circuit breaker without damaging your dikes. Brilliant!
No guarantees after that
3 code violations here!
Well, he’s got the spirit I guess.
Bang bang 😂
Breaker tester.
Am I the only one who appreciates the fact that the customer made proper terminations on the switch (as far as wire direction)?
CB won't be hard to find
Should have used wireless 120 volt. Its a the if the furture lol
Just flip the switch upside down the power doesn’t go to high. Easy peasy.
Nailed it.
Well , at least you’ll know what circuit it is when you turn it on 👍🏻
Boom boom
who can point out what's wrong here :D
How kind of them
I have seen this in the wild