How To Safely Rewire a Light Fixture

What is the right way to rewire a light fixture? Here are some Helpful Tips for Rewiring a Light Fixture.

Rewiring Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: What is the right way to rewire a light fixture?

We have a chandelier ceiling fixture that we are trying to rewire as a swag light. When we first wired it the connection wasn’t going to the light bulbs, then it blew the fuse and we rewired it and then it was smoking. Can you please advise us what to do about our light fixture problem?
Thanks

This electrical repair question came from: christen, a Tenant from Miami, Florida.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical repair question Christen.
Christen – Holy Smokes! You really need to be careful when rewiring a light fixture.

How to Rewire a Light Fixture

Application: Wiring a Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, a non-aluminum ladder and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and access to the light fixture(s).
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Tips for Rewiring a Light Fixture

1. Use the correct gauge wire that is UL Approved Lamp Cord.
2. Make sure the polarity of the wire is correct, smooth side is hot, line side is neutral.
3. Wiring that is being installed through metal parts can get damaged due to small space, sharp areas and the soft wire insulation.
4. Install a ground wire and bond it to the metal assembly areas.
5. If in doubt take it to a light fixture shop or have an electrician rewire it for you.

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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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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical 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.

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