How to Connect Light Fixture Wiring
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How should I connect the wires from the light fixture to the other wires? The Key to Wiring Connections when Installing Light Fixtures. |
Light Fixture Wiring
Electrical Question: How should I connect the wires from the light fixture to the other wires?
I am installing a light fixture where a ceiling fan was originally. The light switch has a red and black wire attached to the side terminals and the white wires are connected together. Where the light fixture is the power continues to other fixtures so their are 4 black wires and 4 white wires plus the 1 red wire and a ground wire.
Should I connect the white wire from the fixture to the other 4 white wires and the black wire from the fixture to the red wire?
This home electrical question came from: Rod, a Homeowner from Saskatoon, Canada.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your home electrical wiring question Rod.
How to Fix Light Fixture Wiring Problems
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder and Voltage Tester or Voltage Tracer.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the ceiling light fixture(s).
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the electrical wires.
Notice: Installing additional fixture wiring and making electrical wiring connections should be done according to local and national electrical codes and may require a permit and inspection.
The Key to Wiring Connections when Installing Light Fixtures
- When there are multiple wires in the light fixture junction box or at the light switch box then the wiring must be identified using a voltage tester.
- In situations like this a “white wire” may not be used ans a neutral wire, but it might actually be used for switching the hot side of the circuit.
- The key is to identify the circuit wiring and understand what each wire is used for in order to achieve the correct wiring configuration.
- If you do not have an understanding of electrical circuit wiring and practical experience of wiring a home then this may be very difficult to understand and it is always best to locate a licensed electrical contractor who can make the required voltage tests and make the electrical wiring connections to get your light fixture working properly.
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