Replaced a Light Fixture Now Nothing Works
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I replaced the light fixtures now nothing works when I turned the breaker back on. How to Troubleshoot a Light Fixture Problem. © By: Dave Rongey |
Electrical Problem with a Light Fixture
Electrical Question: I replaced the light fixtures now nothing works when I turned the breaker back on.
My electrical wiring project involves an Electrical Problem with a Ceiling Light Fixture in the Bathroom of a Old Home.
I gave my bathroom a little facelift by replacing the old 1980s faucets and light fixtures to give them something more modern. The ceiling light was nice so I took it down but spray painted it nickle to match everything else. when I put the fixture back up, connecting the same wires that were there, I got nothing when I turned the breaker back on. Not only that but everything on the breaker does not work. What could I have done so wrong?
This electrical wiring question came from Mike, a Homeowner in Chicago, Illinois.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.
New Light Fixture Not Working
Application: Electrical Problem after Replacing a Light Fixture.
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 Chicago, Illinois. A permit and inspections may also be required.
How to Troubleshoot a Light Fixture Problem
Light Fixture Wiring Problem
When replacing a light fixture it is very easy to miss the connections of one or more wires. The junction box where the light fixture is mounted may be the central point where the circuit power enters and feeds out to all the other devices on the same circuit. It is possible that either the black power wire or a white neutral wire has been missed when making the wiring connections.
Remove the Light Fixture and Check the Wiring
Turn off the circuit power and remove the new light fixture(s) and check for missed wires. Be sure to make the same connections as it was with the original light fixtures and then replace the fixture(s) and restore the power.
Check the Wiring in the Connectors
If each of the wiring connections are not made snug and tight so that all the wires are grouped together then it the connection may be faulty. Also be sure to use the right size wire connectors for the amount of wires that will be included.
More about Electrical Wiring
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
How to Install Bathroom Electrical Wiring
Bathroom Electrical Wiring
Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Bathroom Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
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