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CJT

wrote:

When wiring up normal 3-prong outlets, does it matter if I switch the
black and white wires on a single outlet in the run?

It matters.

I've heard the polarity doesn't matter...but want to make sure I'm not
going to short it out or something else horrible.

Also, when wiring up lights, does it matter which color wire I run to
the switch? Most of the how-to articles show cutting the white
wire...does it make any difference?

It matters. And I doubt your last paragraph correctly describes those
articles.

The concern relates to safety and failure modes. Either way will appear
to work. But the wrong way will be unsafe and violate code.

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