Electrical Wiring for Light Fixtures
|
I took power from an outlet using a 14-2 wire to a single pole switch, capped the whites, from the switch I ran 14-2 to a flood light, but it does not work. How to Install Wiring for Light Fixtures: Methods for Wiring Light Fixtures. |
Wiring Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: I took power from an outlet using a 14-2 wire to a single pole switch, capped the whites, from the switch I ran 14-2 to a flood light, but it does not work.
- I have power to the light socket.
- Do I need to wire the whites differently?
- I thought the problem was the fixture, it wasn’t.
- I bought another and the same problem.
Hope you can help.
Thanks
This electrical wiring question came from: Joe in Pennsylvania.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Joe.
How to Install Wiring for Light Fixtures
Application: Install Wiring for Light Fixtures.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
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.
Methods for Wiring Light Fixtures
- Safety First: Never work on an energized circuit.
- Cable and Wire Size: Match the wire size so that it will be that same as the power source that you are using.
- Circuit Power Source: Make sure the power source circuit has the capacity for the additional light fixtures you wish to add.
- Keep the Wiring Safe: Install all wiring according to code, and protect the wiring to prevent damage from screws or nails.
- Junction Boxes and Switch Boxes: Install junction, switch and fixture boxes securely, meeting all requirements for your project devices. Select junction boxes that have enough cubic inches of space for the wires and the switch as necessary.
- Wiring the Switch: Switch the power wires only, do not switch neutral wires.
- Splicing the Neutral Wire: Splice the neutral wires through at the switch box.
- Connecting the Ground Wires: Splice all ground wires through at all junction boxes and to the switch frames and light fixtures.
- Protect the Wiring with Cover Plates: Install covers over all junction boxes, never leave a junction box uncovered.
- Electrical Codes and Inspections: Perform all work through a permit and inspection of the local building department as allowed.
More about Electrical Wiring for Light Fixtures
How to Wire Light Fixtures in the Home
Planning and Installing Home Lighting
Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.
Light Switch Wiring
Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.
Electrical Junction Boxes
Electrical Junction Boxes for Home Wiring
Understanding electrical junction boxes and what they are used for. Home electrical wiring is the process of installing electrical wire to a location that will serve electrical devices or an appliance. One very important component is the box where the wire will be installed. The type and size of the home wiring electrical boxes will depend upon the circuit size, application and its location.
Home Electrical Wiring
Home electrical wiring projects with pictures and wiring diagrams.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Lighting, Wiring Diagram and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Installing a Switch Shorts a Wire and Trips Off The House | How to Wire Light Switches From an Outlet |
My new light fixture has a black, white, green & yellow wire. What is the yellow wire for?
Hi Buddy,
Is there a wire that is green with a yellow stripe, or is there a separate wire where one wire is green and one wire is yellow?
A green wire with a yellow stripe is the ground wire, which typically connects to the bare ground wire of the circuit.
Thanks for sharing your light fixture question with us,
Dave