When working with AC electricity, how to use switches???

Question

Hi, I am working on a foot operated switch to use with my Dremel rotary tool. When the switch is pressed, the circuit is closed between the mains voltage and the tool, thus turning the tool on. I know that if u were to stick something in an outlet, you only need to come in contact with one of the two input slots in order to receive a nasty shock, so when using a switch with AC power, do i only need to bridge one of the two wires coming from the outlet, or do i need a switch on both of the wires.(I work mainly with DC and im really new to AC so any answers will help Thanks)

Answer 1

A.C. is still a circuit. Open the circuit, current flow stops.

With AC, one leg, (the neutral),  is  grounded.

The switch is placed in the ungrounded conductor, so that

persons working on a 'switched off` device are not exposed

to potential to ground.

Answer 2

You only need to put the switch on one wire.  

Answer 3

Just switch one leg of your input wires. Similar to home wiring, only the hot black is switched. This is is single pole. Double pole would break/make both hot black and neutral white.

Answer 4

If you want to make an on/off switch you need to switch it on the power or black wire side , what I did with mine is I went to walmart and bought an inexpensive (twenty dollar sewing machine and used the variable speed peddle supplied with the sewing machine to make my dremel variable

Answer 5

The switch is on the hot side (the small blade).  (Black or red)  White is neutral.  Green is ground.