[OAC_Sparky]

(05-24-2010, 11:53 PM)02ztsian Wrote: Call it simple or lazy but if it works what does it matter? Once the cover is on you won't see it-it's not against code, it's just a convenience thing.
And no, no coat hangers or cable ties here!

No although it's not against code, an electrical inspector would shake his head too.

When the switches are installed properly it makes it easier to troubleshoot wiring problems without taking the switch out, you only have to take the plate off, the terminals (which sometimes you can't see) can be probed blindly because you know where they're supposed to be.

It also makes it simpler when a non-electrical person replaces the switch, because the natural tendency for people is to install it rightside-up.

I know you're trying to help, but I'm pretty sure that the OP could have figured out to flip the switch himself. He was asking to do it properly. No proper self-respecting tradesman would be that lazy -- you have the switch out already, all you have to do is swap two wires. It's an extra 90 seconds of work tops, it's done right, and you're not twisting the 3 14-3 wires together as you do when you spin the switch.

If it was your post, you would shake your head if someone suggested using bailing wire to hold up your exhaust or to use cinder blocks instead of jackstands, although there is nothing illegal about it. You just know it's not the right way to do it even though it works. Same thing here.