Light Fixture Problem with a Porch Light
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Replacing ceiling porch light fixtures with Westinghouse flush mount model 66919. The old fixtures are on a one way switch and are operable. © By: Dave Rongey |
Problem with a Ceiling Light
Electrical Question: I have replaced a light fixture but it does not work.
- Replacing ceiling porch light fixtures with Westinghouse flush mount model 66919. The old fixtures are on a one way switch and are operable. There are three fixtures on this circuit.
- I attempted to change the first fixture and when it was installed, it did not work but the two remaining old fixtures still lit up. I checked the bulb in the inoperable fixture and it was good.
- I took the first new fixture down, capped the wires in the ceiling box and went to the next old fixture. I repeated the process and when the new fixture was wired into the ceiling box, I flipped the switch on and the light failed again but the remaining third old fixture lit up.
- I then took the new fixture down again, plugged the wires into a wall outlet and the light came on. Because I didn’t have a multimeter, I took a hair dryer and and contacted the two prongs on the cord plug to the two bare wires in the second ceiling box and the device fired right up.
- I am completely stumped as to why I have a good circuit in the ceiling box, a new fixture the operates on a different circuit but does not work on the porch light circuit.
This electrical wiring question came from Ron, a Homeowner in Springfield, Louisiana.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Ron.
How to Fix a Problem with a Ceiling Light Fixture
Application: Replacing a Ceiling Light.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the Ceiling Light, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the Ceiling Light should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in Springfield, Louisiana. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Repairing a Front Porch Ceiling Light Fixture
This electrical wiring project is about a Ceiling Light in the Front Porch of a Old Home.
Ceiling Light Fixture Problem
- From what has been described, there may be an existing problem with the electrical wiring at the first light fixture box that prevents the light fixture from working.
- There is a possibility that the wiring that leads to this light fixture has been disconnected somewhere within the electrical circuit wiring.
- The locations to check would be the other light fixture boxes, any junction boxes within the circuit, or the box where the light switch is located.
- Another possibility it that the porch light is controlled by a different light switch, and is not part of the other light fixtures.
More about Wiring a Ceiling Light
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