Per 200.7(C)(1), the white or gray conductor of a cable assembly used in switch loop wiring is not permitted to be used as which?

• A. Return conductor from a switch to a switched outlet
• B. Grounding conductor
• C. Hot conductor
• D. Neutral conductor

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is how white or gray conductors are treated in a switch loop. When a white (or gray) conductor is used in a switch loop, it’s acting as an ungrounded (hot) conductor, not as a neutral. Because of that, it must be re-identified to show it’s carrying hot, and it’s not appropriate to rely on that conductor to serve as the neutral or as the return path of the switched circuit in a way that could cause confusion or unsafe conditions. Per this rule, that white/gray conductor should not be used as the return path from the switch to the switched outlet. Instead, the hot and neutral paths must be clearly defined, with the switch interrupting the hot leg and the neutral returning separately, so the color-coding and identification stay consistent and safe.