I am replacing a light fixture in my kitchen that came down when I was away, so I didn't take note of what wires were connected to the old fixture. It's a switch where there's only one switch on the wall that controls the light.

I have the following situation:

Switch:
- 1 red wire, 2 black wires, 1 ground wire. Not connected to the switch are two white wires capped together

Ceiling:
1 ground wire, 1 red wire, 2 white wires, 2 black wires

Light fixture:
1 ground wire, 1 white wire, 1 black wire


The question is how to do wire the light fixture to the wires coming out of the ceiling? I assume match the colors, but the "extra" red wire throws me for a loop.

Help is appreciated.

The switch is probably a 3-way switch with another switch on the other side of the room. There are probably two red wires tied together and stuffed away in the fixture as well.

Switch: Black on one side of switch is hot, the other is the switched. White should be tied together. Red would be part of the 3 way switch leg that goes to the other switch.

Fixture: white is neutral, black is the switched hot leg.

Ceiling: white is neutral, black is switched hot.

2nd switch: white is hot (tape it black and or label it), black and red are your switch legs.

If it is a 3-way, then the following diagram should help: 3 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams - Do-it-yourself-help.com

If you can't follow one of the diagrams, get an electrician, and be sure to throw the breaker.