Thread: Wall switch on/off diection

Does the NEC actually address the direction of a wall switch e.g...on is up etc...?

Single pole switches are labeled from the manufacturer as up is on. The NEC does have rules regarding breakers and disconnects.

Originally Posted by Jim Port

Single pole switches are labeled from the manufacturer as up is on. The NEC does have rules regarding breakers and disconnects.

Thanks again JP

Originally Posted by Marc M

Does the NEC actually address the direction of a wall switch e.g...on is up etc...?

It would be difficult to do such a thing.
3 way and 4 way switches are always changing in regards to up vs down being on or off.

as Jim Port said single pole switches are marked.
To add to to it double pole switches are marked on and off as well. This is one way to tell the difference between a double pole switch and a 4 way switch.

When circuit breakers are mounted in a way that they operate up and down (as opposed to left and right) the up position must be the ON position. ( this is found in article 240.81 of the NEC.)

The flat paddle type switches aren't labeled ON/OFF. I often find them mixed up or Down for ON. I think many are homeowner retrofits.