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How do I connect wiring in my ceiling junction box?

I tried pretty much every combination possible to hook up a 2-light ceiling fixture in the hallway, and none are working. I found out that now the bathroom light right off that hallway is no longer working too…


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Electrical Question from Tana about Electrical Wiring
[ad#block]Question: Coming from the ceiling are 2 sets of wires. 1 wire is white, and the other 3 are black. The white wire is the only hot one, which I checked with a voltage checker… I tried pretty much every combination possible to hook up a 2-light ceiling fixture in the hallway, and none are working. I found out that now the bathroom light, right off that hallway is no longer working too. Any suggestions?

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

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

For more information about Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wiring

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This 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 Tester
This 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 Cutter
My 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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “How do I connect wiring in my ceiling junction box?”
  1. David says:

    I own a very old house that has been renovated over the years. I took down a ceiling light fixture but was not really paying attention to the wiring. The old light fixture was working fine and was controlled by a dimmer. Here is my situation: I have 2 old wires coming from the junction box which are both black. I have another set of wires coming from the dimmer switch which one is black and the other white. The white wire from the dimmer is attached to one of the old wires and they are hot. The other old wire and the black wire from the dimmer switch are not attached to anything. The light fixture I am attaching has one black and one white. I am not sure how the other owners had the old light fixture hooked up, but it worked.

    Any help is appreciated

    Thanks

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi David,
    Please navigate to the Ceiling Fan area of the website which has very detailed wiring diagrams about how to wire a ceiling fan and how the wiring is connected when the ceiling fan is controlled by a wall switch.
    Please note that a lighting dimmer switche should not be used to operate a ceiling fan motor.
    Enjoy!
    Dave