Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 2
|
Smooth side, ridged side: Which is which? |
Let me explain what come up recently to cause my concern…
I got a pendant light to replace an older light over the kitchen sink…
Looking at the light and wiring at the store, I noticed the wire coming up thru’ the rods was 1 piece, (but of course would have to be cut off to make the pendent shorter, as it adjusts to 3 different lengths),,,, The wire coating was all one color (like an extension cord would be),,, so I made the comment to the salesman, about that, and he said “when you cut the wire to fit the extension rod (leaving about 6 inches) separate the cord and strip off about 1/2 inch off each. Use the wire from the side with the ridge to connect to the Black (hot) wire that the old fixture was previously connected to.
So, his statement was not true then ???? And he told me the opposite way ????
What would have happen if I would have already installed it the way he told me ????
(By the way, it does NOT say anything about how to determine the HOT wire from the light fixture in the instructions that come with the fixture.)
Thank you SO much for all your help with my questions !!
[ad#block]Well we certainly have a situation here, don’t we.
I’m afraid the salesman gave you wrong information, and I just re-affirmed this again by reaching for a two wire cord, one that has a large prong, and has the ridges on the cord, and I know that this plugs into a receptacle only one way – which would be the ridged side on the Neutral/Silver Screw side.
Honestly, this can be confusing – and that’s why even I double check the wire ribs to make doubly sure.
So – if you already connected a fixture with the wires reversed to a standard pendant fixture with an incandescent bulb socket, it means that the bottom contact is Neutral and the larger area which travels up where you may possibly come in contact with it – is now energized when the light is turned on.
Here is the Danger Scenario with all these conditions being met:
If you ever were to change the light bulb,
AND the fixture was turned on,
AND your fingers came in contact with the base of the bulb,
AND any part of your body came in direct contact with a grounded surface,
THEN you would get shocked.
The sad truth is that there are most likely countless fixtures wire backwards this way, especially if they followed a “salesman’s” advice, and most people would never know differently. Does this cause a fire hazard – not directly, it’s just not the right way to do it. The energized contact should be at the bottom of the lamp socket where it is less accessible to fingers and other objects.
You just happen to be a very observant and wise individual who knew enough to ask, and ask again. I guess that’s why I’m not a salesman!
Hey – here’s an idea. Go back to the store, find a two or three wire cord that has these ribs, go find the salesman and while you hold the cord behind your back – ask him about how to wire your fixture again. If he gives you the same answer, you could either ask him to explain why all the cords in the store are wired backwards, OR you could ask him to explain the why the cords are wired differently, or you could just smack him with the cord, or you could just do what ever your heart desires. Just don’t get too radical. The poor guy got some bad advise from – who knows where. Hey – you could always tell him to visit my web site and when in doubt – ask a question, just like you did!
(Sorry, it’s late and I felt like having a little humor ; )
I hope this helps. Let me know what happens, now I’m really curious about what you’re going to do!
Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 1
Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 3
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
||||||||
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 Identifying Wires Questions and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 3 | Question – Cords and How to Identify the Individual Wires – Part 1 |
