FROM: GARY BRIDWELL - SENIOR ENGINEER/TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR
RE: SAFETY OF AUTOMATED LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS

DATE: 10/15/97

REFERENCE NEC 380-2 (a) EXCEPTION

Action: Request that the panel adopt a change to require that Insulated Neutral wires be provided in each switch leg and connected.

Substantiation:

As an instructor for Home Automation related installation practices I am exposed to dealers from across the United States and have become alarmed at the practices used to install automated lighting switches.

Automated light switches require a neutral to power the switches electronics. It is alarmingly apparent that installers routinely use the non insulated ground wire when the neutral is not provided. This has become the normal practice due to no requirements to provide the neutral in any NEC code or guidelines.

I wish to bring this to the attention of the panel in order that they may provide for the minimal changes required to arrest this dangerous practice.

I request this matter be given your attention rapidly as the requests for automated lighting of this type is reaching an all time high. The panel should hurriedly do all that is possible to stop an alarming trend.

Sincerely

Gary Bridwell
100 Memorial Drive
Greer, SC, 29650