Articles about Lighting

Tom in Florida asks: I added a spot light to an outside receptacle, checked for voltage before closing up box, now the light does not work, could it be the GFCI receptacle?

Armando in New Jersey asks: We are going to install an outside light with conduit. Can We use MC cable (BX cable )inside the conduit?

Lee in Virginia asks: I am looking to buy MR16 LED bulbs to replace the existing halogen MR16 in some track lighting. However, I noticed the existing halogen (6) bulbs are 24 volt, not the typical 12 volt.

Saelon in Oregon asks: I installed all new track light, and my no-touch power tester lights up almost anywhere on the ceiling within 12 inches of the track. Is this normal?

Tracy in Massachusetts asks: What is dual outlet for under cabinet lighting. I need a fixture that is in the middle of a string of under cabinet lights.

Carl in Washington asks: Our recessed can lights are lasting only a few months while the living room lights have lasted five years.

Lisa in Ohio asks: I have a post light with a damaged UF cable. Can I install low voltage lighting to the undamaged end of the UF wire the post light?

Eric in Florida asks: What is the purpose of using a Lightolier ZPR-3 remote switch? Can it be replaced with a standard residential light switch?

Frank in Oklahoma asks: There is a switch by the front door that controls the outside lights. Should that fixture control the other two lights?

Ashley in Kansas asks: I have a 6 year old who is terrified to walk down the dark hallway at night to get to the bathroom. I wanted to switch out the 3-way switch for a 3-way dimmer switch so I can leave the light on but dimmed so the whole hallway is illuminated.

Wayman in Canada asks: I need advice about fluorescent ballasts replacements. I have 3×48″T12 lamps installed in a line: one 2 tube fixture,and a single tube fixture The lamp of the single fixture will not illuminate (even after changing the tube). Can a light fixture with a electronic ballast share the same circuit with a light fixture with a magnetic one?

Phil in California asks: Is it acceptable to use the circuit supplying the bedroom receptacles for new recessed Lighting fixtures in the same room?

How do I wire the new switch using power from the existing power line to turn on and off the new ceiling light? Wiring a New Switch from an Existing Power Source.

John in Pennsylvania asks; I’m trying to replace a single pole light switch with a timer light switch in a box that also has another single pole switch going to another light: How to Wire a Timer Switch for Lighting.

Trying to install a 24 Hour Timer Switch, the single pole switch currently in the wall has the black wire from the “load” pigtailed and the red wire from the “line” goes to the other terminal on the single pole switch…

How to Make Electrical Wiring Connections for Home Light Fixtures: Typical Wiring Mistake with Light Fixture and How to Fix It.