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. © By: Dave Rongey |
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.
More about Home Electrical Wiring and Ceiling Fan Wiring
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