Red Seal Electrician Practice
Motor controlsQuestion 102 of 1506

The switch and lamp positions are swapped, so the switch is next to the grounded side. The wire between switch and lamp touches ground. What happens?

  1. The fuse blows at once when the wire touches the grounded conduit
  2. The lamp is energized and the switch has no control over it
  3. The lamp stays off, and the switch has no effect on it
  4. The lamp works normally, and the fault has no effect on it
Show answer

Correct answer: The lamp is energized and the switch has no control over it

A loose load can then turn on without a command, which is why the load goes next to the grounded conductor.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits IV: Digital (Kuphaldt), 6.1: “Ladder” Diagrams

Practice motor controls

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026