Should the neutral side of the electrical circuit be connected to switches?

The neutral side of the electrical circuit should never be connected to switches because doing so can create safety hazards and undermine the function of the electrical system. In standard electrical practice, switches are designed to interrupt the "hot" side of the circuit, which is energized. This allows the circuit to be safely turned off, ensuring that when the switch is off, there is no voltage present in the circuit downstream of the switch.

By connecting the neutral side to a switch, the power remains on even when the switch is off, which poses a risk of electric shock to anyone who may come into contact with the circuit or devices connected to that circuit while maintenance or repairs are being performed. Furthermore, switching the neutral can cause confusion in the operation and troubleshooting of the circuit, as other connected devices may still be live even when the switch is disengaged.

Thus, it is standard electrical practice to keep the switch on the hot side to ensure complete safety and proper functionality of electrical installations. This aligns with National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines and is important for maintaining safe wiring practices in any electrical system.