[meisterpowers]

Hi everyone--I have what seems like a basic question. I am trying to install a dimmer switch in an older home--when removing the old switch, I only see one black wire (presumably hot) and one green wire (presumably ground) connecting to the old switch. The new dimmer has two black wires and one green. Do I run the single black wire from the lights to both black wires on the new switch? Or just to one (and if one, how do I know which)? FYI, I do not see any white/neutral wires in the wire box. Thanks!

 

[joed]

A switch can not work with only one wire. Someone likely incorrectly used a green wire for the switch. Can you post an image of the switch and wires. An image of the wiring at the fixture would be useful as well.
Is this conduit system or cables?

 

[meisterpowers]

Thanks for your reply Joed. I apparently lied, there are some neutral wires that are connected back there. Otherwise, I have attached a picture of the current setup.

 

[joed]

sure looks like they incorrectly used the green for power.
Also looks like you have conduit, so new hot can be pulled in.

 

[Syberia]

Green is being used as a hot. Seen it at my parents' house as well and confused the crap out of me. If you can replace it easily, do so, if not, wrap black tape around it and shrug your shoulders.

 

[Oso954]

If you can replace it easily, do so, if not, wrap black tape around it and shrug your shoulders.

Bad advice.
Reidentifying a green conductor is not allowed by code. It is only to be used as a ground wire.
Accepting a green hot is allowing a hazardous situation to continue.

 

[Syberia]

No it isnt, but neither is using the green as a hot in the first place, but the OP didn't do that. It may be a violation of code, but it is not in and of itself a safety or fire hazard, and is less of one if marked black. Tell me, would a professional electrician replace the wire if the customer didn't want to pay for it?

 

[joed]

A quality electrician would walk from the job if the customer didn't want to do right to code.

 

[Syberia]

And leave everything the way it was. knowing of the defect.