Wiring Connections when Adding Light Fixtures
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I am adding a few light fixtures, the new lights do not work, but the original light does work, what did I do wrong? Common Wiring Problems with Light Fixtures and Dimmer Switches and How to Fix Them. © By: Dave Rongey |
Light Fixture Dimmer Switch Problem
Electrical Question: I am adding more light fixtures, the new lights do not work, but the original light does work, what did I do wrong?
I am wiring three 12Volt 50Watt halogen pendant lights over my bar, the original three lights work but only the first halogen light works.
- Light Fixture Installation Project
- The fixtures will all be controlled by a single switch.
- I have all the wires in place.
- I did a test run using 3 work lights (60 watts each).
- They all worked. Flip the switch and they all turn on, switch off and they turn off.
- The halogen lights are Kovacs pierce pendants.
- Each fixture has it’s own electronic transformer that is located after the black & white leads that go to the power source wires.
- Exiting the transformer are 2 red wires that lead to the light bulb.
- All wiring being the same as when I wired the original 3 work lights but only the first halogen light works.
- With my tester I can see that the other two lights have power leading to and running through the fixture wires, before and after the transformer but the bulbs don’t light.
- I’ve switched bulbs and switched fixtures and it is all the same result.
- Only the first fixture will turn on.
Additional Comments: Thanks for Your Help!
Background: Cheryl, a Homeowner from Kansas City, Missouri.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Cheryl.
How to Fix Light Fixture and Dimmer Switch Problems
Application: Wiring Light Fixtures and a Dimmer Switch.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of lamps that have been installed.
Problems with Light Fixtures and Dimmer Switches and How to Fix Them
- Checking Circuit Voltage
- I first want to make sure that of the 120 volt wires coming into the fixtures from the switch, that the wiring is made up (color to color) blacks to blacks and whites to whites, and grounds made up as well.
- I know this may sound simplistic, but sometimes these connections are not made up correctly. Then I’m wondering if you had three separate 60 watt lamps working at the same time, or was it separately?
- I would double check the connections at the first fixture junction box. It seems that there may be a loose connection involving one of the wires at the first light box.
- It ends up that 2 of the 3 electronic transformers were bad. I bought 3 new transformers (didn’t want to risk the last one quitting too). That did the trick!
- Too bad about the the transformers – very strange.
- One thing to be careful of is to not purchase opened containers that may have defective devices.
- Who knows – you may have purchased returns that were damaged by a previous customer and the store clerks just put the items back on the shelf unaware of the condition.
- It ends up that 2 of the 3 electronic transformers were bad. I bought 3 new transformers (didn’t want to risk the last one quitting too). That did the trick!
- Dimmer Compatibility with the Light Fixtures
- Dimmer switches must be compatible with light fixtures that have transformers.
- If the transformers say they are capable to dim could I put a dimmer on the wall switch?
- The switch that is mentioned says you can not use it on both incandescent & halogen.
- My only concern is the statement on the Lutron dimmer box that says it is advisable to use them on appliances with transformers.
- Would that include my 3 lights? I also figure if the 50 watts seem too bright I can just replace them with a 25 watt bulbs.
- As for dimming the fixtures that use transformers: The safe practice is to make sure that the transformer and dimmer specification sheets state that they are compatible with each other.
- Most of the newer light fixtures and dimmer switches have the capability to dim, but make sure just to be safe.
- Dimmer switches must be compatible with light fixtures that have transformers.
More about Light Switch and Fixture Wiring
- Wiring Diagram for Light Switches
- Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.
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3 Way Dimmer Switch Wiring Diagram
- Fully explained 3 way dimmer switch wiring diagram will take the mystery out of wiring a 3-way dimmer switch.
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Understanding Electrical Testers
- When working on home electrical wiring using voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Home Wiring Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety Articles covering several topics of home electrical safety and Do-It-Yourself Electrical Safety.
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