Wiring a Kitchen Ceiling Light Fixture
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I bought a new ceiling light fixture for the kitchen and I need help wiring with the wiring: Wire a Light Fixture and Wall Switch. |
Kitchen Light Fixture and Switch
Electrical Question: I bought a new ceiling light fixture for the kitchen and I need help wiring with the wiring.
- Once installed it I cannot turn off the light.
- This is one that uses two different 3-way switches to turn on or off the kitchen light so the light just stays on and neither switch will turn it off.
- I connected the wires as follows: the black wire to the black wire, and the white wire to the white wire.
- In order to get the switches to work was I suppose I have to connect black wire to the red wire?
This electrical question came from: Pat, a Homeowner from Georgia.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electrical Wiring Question Pat.
How to Wire a Light Fixture and Switch
Application: Wiring Light Fixtures with 3-Way Light Switches.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional 3-way switch wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Materials: Make sure replacement 3-way light switches have the same amperage and voltage rating as the original three way light switch, and is the switch is fully compatible with the electrical circuit, the light fixture and the type of light bulbs being used.
Wiring Connections for Light Fixture with 3Way Switches
- Pat, if the wiring at the wall switch was not disturbed then the wiring configuration in the light fixture box is incorrect.
- It is important to notice how the original wiring connections were before with the original light fixture.
- If the light fixture is not working then the correct wiring connections may be identified by using a voltage tester to understand which wire is the power source and which wire is operated by the switch.
- If the light fixture is on all the time then the color wire connection may indicate a connection to the power source.
- The wiring diagrams found from the links below may be very helpful to help you get your light fixture working properly.
More about Wiring a Kitchen Light Fixture
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Wiring Diagrams For Light Switches
- Wiring Diagrams For Light Fixtures and Switches: Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches.
- Light Switch Wiring
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Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1
- Fully explained pictures and wiring diagrams about wiring light switches describing the most common switches starting with photo diagram 1.
- How to Install Kitchen Electrical Wiring
- Kitchen Electrical Wiring
- Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.
- Electrical Wire for the Home
- Types of Home Electrical Wire
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
The following may also be helpful 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.
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. |
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I am trying to change my kitchen lights and I thought everything went well until I realized that the lights remain on even when turning the switch to off. There is a second light in the kitchen that I also changed last week. After a friend said something about this probably being controlled by a 3 way switch, I redid the wiring on the lights – now the same light won’t go off and the other won’t go on!
Hi Marlene,
When changing or adding onto electrical wiring for lighting fixtures the circuit configuration must be identified and understood in order to make the right wiring connections for the new light fixtures. This is especially true when there is a 3-way or 4-way switch involved. So in order to correct the problem, the process of identifying the circuit configuration must be done, then the correct wiring connections will be revealed, as well as the options for controlling the light fixture with existing switches.
Dave