How To Wire Light Fixture Cord Wires

How can I determine how to connect the wires of a light fixture cord? How to Identify and Connect Light Fixture Cord Wires.

Guide to Wiring Light Fixture Cords
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How can I determine how to connect the wires of a light fixture cord?

• I am replacing lights under the shelf on my desk with fluorescent fixtures which are wired in parallel, as I have learned how to do here.
• I want to use the electrical cord that I cut off from the old light to power the new fixtures, since it is already attached to the desk and shelf.
• How can I determine which wire in the cord to attach to the white wire in the fixtures?
• And which to attach to the black?

Background: Johnny, a Homeowner in South Carolina.
Additional Comments: I love this site. It is an excellent resource for me.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Johnny.

Wiring Light Fixture Cord Wires

Application: Wiring a Light Fixture Cord.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, comprehension, and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

How to Identify 120 Volt Light Fixture Cord Wires

Electric Light Fixture Cords have Two Distinct Indicators

• Flat Light Fixture Cords have two indications that are fairly easy to identify which will reveal how each wire is connected.
  • The side of the cord that has Lines on one side identify that side as the neutral.The neutral wire of a 120 volt circuit is typically the white wire.
  • The side of the cord that has a Smooth surface identifies that side as the power. The power wire of a 120 volt circuit is typically the black wire.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. 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 Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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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