What is the term for the conductors that run between a switched outlet and the switch that controls it?

The term for the conductors that run between a switched outlet and the switch that controls it is "switch loop." In a switch loop configuration, the wiring is designed specifically to facilitate the operation of a light fixture or an outlet that is controlled by a switch.

In typical installation, the switch loop includes two wires that carry the current from the switch back to the fixture or outlet. One wire serves as the hot conductor from the switch to the fixture, while the other wire acts as the return path to complete the circuit. This setup allows the switch to control whether power is delivered to the load, creating a convenient way to control lighting and outlets from a wall switch.

Understanding the specifics of a switch loop is critical for anyone working with residential wiring to ensure proper installation and adherence to electrical codes. Other terms, such as power loop, load loop, and traveler loop, refer to different wiring configurations that serve distinct functions in electrical systems.