I'm replacing my ceiling light in my kitchen. The old one I believe was the original when the house was built 41 years ago. The insulation broke off and shorted out the light. When I was taking the old light down, the wires broke off. I didn't think that was going to be a problem, since I would just connect black to black and white to white. However, there is a red wire in the mix. I don't know if it was connected to the old light or not.

I connected the green, black, and white wires from the new light, to their matching wires in the receptacle. But now the light does not shut off. I think this red wire has something to do with my problem, but since everything came apart when I disconnected the old light, I can't figure it out. Please help.

bigjoe532 - Have you checked to see if your kitchen light is on a ( 3 way switch or not?? ) The RED WIRE IS A HOT CARRIER WIRE. On a 3 way you can have 2 0r more lights, Working off 1 0r 2 switches) . Could have been wire nutted togreather in the ceiling light box and count. On to the other switch

I need to know just how the wireing is run? ; Does the hot come into the ceiling light elect box or from the switch box?
The RED wire could have just passed threw the box up in the ceiling and went to another 3 way switch or to a second light in your kitchen, Does your kitchen have 2 or more light in it?? Come back with more information so we can tell you how to make your repairs safly. Have a good day and stay safe and GOD BLESS :: F.B.E.

FBE, the hot comes in from the switch box. There's no other light operated by this switch, and it's definitely not a 3 way switch.