Understanding Light Fixture Electrical Wiring

';	The Basics of Light Fixture Electrical Wiring: Electrical testers enable you to identify electrical circuits and help prevent the possibility of accidental electrical shock. © By: Dave Rongey

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Basics of Light Fixture Electrical Wiring
[ad#block]Electrical Question I’m installing a light fixture.

There are three wires–black, white, and red.
Wire testing shows black is the ground.
When I attach my light fixture’s ground to black and switch power back on, I have no power to anything.
To circumvent this, I attached the light fixture’s ground wire to the screw for ground wires on the crossbar.
I then attached the hot wires and the light works fine.

I Have Two Electrical Questions:

Why do I lose power when I attach the ground wire?
Is it safe for me to leave everything hooked up the way it is?

Background: Eric, a Homeowner from Ladera Ranch, CA.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Eric.

The Basics of Light Fixture Electrical Wiring

Eric, the readings that you are getting may be caused by a number of factors,
- including not fully understanding or considering all the other components that are connected to the circuit,
- switch positions,
- ground connections
- or neutral connections.

The Following will assist you with light fixture wiring:
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.

You identified your project to be about Troubleshooting, so you might find this information useful:
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

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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.

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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.