Electrical Wiring for a New Garage Light

';	How to Wire a Garage Light Fixture and Switch: Description of electrical wiring for a garage light fixture and switch. © By: Dave Rongey

Identifying and Wiring a Garage Light Fixture
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I replaced a single bulb light socket in my garage with a 48 inch fluorescent light fixture with 4-bulbs.

The new fixture had 1 black wire, 1 white, 1 green.
The wires coming out of the ceiling were 1 red, 2 black,2 white with a short red pigtail attached.
The pigtail went to a post on old fixture and and red wire went to other post.
I removed the short red pigtail and hooked black wires to black wire and white wires to white.
I taped the end of red wire and put it up in ceiling.
Now the light burns all the time and I can’t turn it off with the wall switch that operated it before.

Any suggestions?
Thanks.

This electrical question came from: Bill, a Homeowner from Wichita Falls,Texas.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bill.

How to Wire a Garage Light Fixture and Switch

Bill, the pigtail or original wiring that was used for the existing light fixture should not have been removed because it was correct.
What you did was wire directly to the power source thereby bypassing the wiring to the light switch.
Now the wiring leading to the wall switch must be identified then you must rewire the light fixture accordingly.
I believe that if you connect the wiring for the new light fixture with the same configuration as the original light fixture then you will see that it works just fine.

How to Wire a Switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1

Switch Wiring Diagrams
Fully Explained Light Switch Wiring Diagrams. Detailed Electrical Wiring Diagrams and Pictures assist your Home Electrical Projects.

Lighting For The Home
Lighting Electrical Codes

How to Install Garage Electrical Wiring

Garage Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Garage Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

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.

More articles about Garage Lights, Lighting and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
No Power to my Electric Clothes Dryer	Light Fixture Ground Wire Attachment

»How To Wire It RIGHT! «
Wire it with Confidence!
Fully Illustrated
Instant Download

Now You Can
Wire it like a Pro!

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.