Kitchen Light Fixture Wiring
|
How to Connect the Wire When Replacing a Light Fixture that has Multiple Cables and Wires. |
Electrical Connections for a Kitchen Light Fixture
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am replacing a ceiling light fixture in my kitchen.
- The new fixture has holes to push the wires into, however the junction box has more wires than expected.
- There are three cables coming into the box – all the black and white wires are nutted together.
- There is a red wire and ground copper wire loose.
- Which white wire can I use to insert into the new fixtures mount or do I attach a new white to the bundle and use the other end into the mount?
This electrical question came from: Kass, a Homeowner from Mohnton, PA.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Kass.
How to Connect Light Fixture Wires
Application: Wiring a Light Fixture.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of lamps that have been installed.
How to Make the Right Wiring Connections When Replacing a Light Fixture that has Multiple Cables and Wires
Kass, from what you are explaining about the electrical wiring that is found in the fixture box, you are correct, however using a voltage tester would verify the actual connections.
- Connecting one or more of the light fixture wires with the appropriate power, neutral and ground wires inside the ceiling electrical junction box is acceptable.
- When replacing a light fixture it is best to work with the wiring that was connected to the original light fixture and not disturb other wiring connections.
- Light fixture boxes may have additional cables and wires which could be the power source and wires that are used for switching and if these connections are disturbed then a tester combined with an understanding of lighting circuits will need to be used to identify what the function of each wire truly is.
Using electrical testers
Electrical Safety and Voltage Testers
When working on home electrical wiring, quality voltage testers can play an important part in electrical safety. Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock.
Light Switch Wiring Diagrams
Wiring a Light Switch
Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.
Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen Electrical Wiring Requirements
This wiring diagram and pictures explain the basic kitchen electrical code wiring requirements required for most new or remodel projects.
The following may also be helpful for you:
Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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. |
||
| More articles about Lighting, Wiring Diagram and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| Electrical Wire Size for a 240 Volt Dryer | Replacing a Ceiling Fan Pull Chain Switch |
We are replacing some recessed lighting in our kitchen with a new light fixture. There were 3 cans. Also included in the wiring is the connection to our hall bathroom. When we disconnected the wires we noticed that one black wire and a white wire were connected but did not get properly marked. So when we went to reconnect the wires to figure out what was what our light switch keeps tripping the breaker. How can we tell which white wire should be connected to the black.
Hi Jeanie,
From what you are describing it sounds like the light switch is being connected to the hot and neutral of the 120 volt circuit instead of being wired so the hot goes down to the switch, then when the switch is turned on it returns power back up to the ceiling junction box where it is connected so the light fixture will operate. To identify the cables and their function a voltage tester can be used while the circuit is on, or a continuity tester may be used while the circuit is off, this will help identify the cable going to the switch which is now connected incorrectly up in the ceiling.
There is a link on this page that leads to Light Switch Wiring Diagrams which will help you see a few different wiring configurations.
Dave
If I am joining together four sets of fluorescent lights, do I connect the power coming to the first light and wire it black to black, white to white, ground to ground, and then have a wire with the same colors going to the next light, and the next, like this to all four
Hi Marshall,
Yes all of the light fixtures can be wired as you have described, as long as the process is done according to code. For example, each light fixture must also be grounded, and the wire that is used must match the type and size of the original wire coming into the first original light fixture.