By Dave Rongey Summary:
Electrical Troubleshooting Question: An electrician wired a single pole switch box to two ceiling flush mount fixture boxes. I can't figure out what they did to hook it all up now that I finished the room.
Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician: East to use site and I appreciate you receiving free questions for help. Sabrina from Anchorage , Alaska
Electrical Troubleshooting Question:
An electrician wired a single pole switch box to two ceiling flush mount fixture boxes. I can't figure out what they did to hook it all up now that I finished the room. All wires are Romex 12/2.
Fixture 1 seems to have the source power, with one spliced Romex end with electric tape wrapped around the Black and White. There is a second Romex cable here, presumably to head down to the switch.
Fixture 2 has a single Romex end, presumably leading to the switch box. In the switch box there are 3 romex cables. One was marked as feed, which I think would lead to the fixture box at Fixture 1.
So I can't figure out why there are 3 cables in the switch box and how to wire this.
Thanks- Dave.
Hi Dave - Great Electrical Repair Question! In order to positively identify the wiring you will need to do some electrical troubleshooting and to help do this you will need to use a ohm meter.
Here is a procedure that should help you. I have also added a link below to wiring diagrams which may help you understand how this circuit may be wired.
How to Identify Light Fixture and Switch Wiring
This article will help you identify a pair of wires with the power off.
You will be using a Tester that will send a small amount of voltage through the wires which will produce a reading or tone , depending on the meter you will be using.
Common Ohm Meters or Signal Testers: Volt / Ohm Meter.
Required: Volt / Ohm Meter, Wire connector
First: Be sure the circuit is OFF and clearly labeled that the circuit is to Stay Off while you are conducting these checks.
*Verify that the circuit is in fact OFF using a Volt Meter or Circuit Tester. After you have verified the power is off proceed.
Ohm Meter Setting
Set your Ohm Meter to measure a low resistance setting such as Rx1K or 1000 Ohms.
Touch the test leads together to test your meter, you should get a 0 reading which means there is zero resistance between the two test leads.
Identifying a set or pair of wires
Select the pair of wires you need to identify at one location.
Remove the insulation back about one half inch. Twist a wire connector on these two wires creating a temporary splice.
Next: Select one of the pairs of wires you are working with. Remove the insulation back about one half inch.
Testing with the Ohm Meter
Now using the ohm meter place the one test lead to one wire, and the other test lead to the other.
If you get a 0 resistance reading go to the pair of wires where the wire connector creates the temporary splice and remove the wire connector.
Re test the ohm meter on the other pair of wires and see if you still get the 0 reading.
If there is no 0 reading then you have identified this pair of wires.
Label this pair of wires and proceeded with the test to identify any other pairs of wires.
Electrical Wiring Video #2
Electrical Wiring Tips for Home Electrical Wiring Projects
Tripping Circuit Breaker, Outlet at a Wall Switch, Light Fixture without a Ground Wire, Help with Home Electrical Wiring Projects.
See more House Wiring Videos from Ask The Electrician:
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Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
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.
This is a testing tool that 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.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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.
A wire stripping tool used 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.
» How To Wire It RIGHT!« Wire it with Confidence! Fully Illustrated Instant Download Now You Can Wire it like a Pro!
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