View Full Version : How do I wire ceiling light fixture?
diginin
Jul 22, 2013, 08:37 AM
I'm trying to install a simple pendent light fixture to the dinning room ceiling and could use some help. The light fixture has three wires; 1 neutral, 1 live and 1 ground. However the wiring from the ceiling looks more complicated. There is a bundle of 3 black wires, a bundle of 3 white wires and a bundle of green wires.
This is photo of what the wires in the ceiling look like: http://tinypic.com/r/1zoje5w/5
Can someone give advice on how I should go about wiring this ceiling light fixture?
donf
Jul 22, 2013, 09:07 AM
Whoa-there,
You need to look into that box again. There appears to be a second bundle of Whites as well as a blue that seems to be capped with the grounds (Green) and some red and loose blue conductors.
Was there a light fixture installed there before and was it operated by a wall switch or a pull chain?
The new light, are you going to control that from a wall switch or a pull chain?
What type of home is this, a single family home, an apartment, a mobile home?
Help me, please, I need to know where all those circuits are coming from and going to.
diginin
Jul 22, 2013, 09:27 AM
Thanks for the reply!
There are a bunch of other wires in that box which makes it very confusing. It's a condo building, only 2 years old. There wasn't a light fixture installed before, only a cap on the ceiling.
It's controlled by a light switch. If it makes a difference the light switch is a double light switch, one controls the ceiling and the one next to it controls a wall outlet near by. The new light fixture will be controlled by the light switch.
There is also another ceiling light near by in the hallway controlled by another light switch, if that helps.
donf
Jul 22, 2013, 09:48 AM
Okay,
Unless you are a licensed electrician the odds are that you are not allowed to do any electrical work on the condo. Before you attempt to do anything contact the Local Authority that has Jurisdiction to verify that you would be allowed to do the work.
If you are allowed and they will give you a permit to do the work, then come back here and we will help you.