In article . com, "Patrick" wrote:
Thanks! I think I understand that part...

Don't thank him - he's wrong - and no, you don't understand.

but would it have the same
effect to put, for example, an on and off switch on the white wire
instead of the black wire?

The light would still go on and off in response to the switch. There is a
difference, however. See below.

I have been told that putting the switch on
the black wire cuts off the current off before it reaches the light
fixture, while putting it on the white wire allows the fixture to
remain hot (if one were foolish enough to touch the light fixture
socket).

That is correct, and that is why the switch is always installed on the hot
side of the circuit.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

Nobody ever left footprints in the sands of time by sitting on his butt.
And who wants to leave buttprints in the sands of time?