I am attempting to replace an existing light fixture. I have discovered four wires coming into the opening. When I connect the new light *** the old one was I only have power before the light and the new light comes on. No power to the rooms beyond the light. In addition, the new light is on regardless on whether the switch is on or off. I know which set of wires is hot coming to the light but do not understand what has happened here.:eek:

Sorry but your explanation is not clear enough. Can you describe each cable and wire? Or provide a photo?

If you had two cables, each with black and white in the light outlet box, then one cable should be hot across black and white. The other cable should be going to the switch, so the hot black connects to the white of the cable to the switch. This leaves the white neutral, and a switched black at the light box.

This is the best I can surmise from your explanation.

The four wires are as such... black and white from kitchen (first in series) only one that works regardless of light being installed at all. Second set, black and white from switch for light. Third set, black and white to dining room. Fourth set black and white to bathroom. I can get all of the other rooms to come on when I connect the blacks together and the whites together. I keep popping the breaker when I connect the neutral to the switch. The light will work if connected to the hot from the kitchen but does not go off. Does this help? Got it!! Your tip about the black to the white for the switch did it.

Sounds like you were splicing all the blacks together and all the whites together, which is great if all are cables that are feeds or loads.

When a two wire is used to go to a switch, and all the wires are spliced, all you do is create a dead short when you turn the switch ON.

Sounds like your all set.