[jpl]

The lights are in a basement with a finished drywall ceiling. Two track lights operate off the same dimmer switch. Only one light worked, and didn't dim. I replaced the dimer switch and the same light works, and dims now. The other light still doesn't work. I changed the light bulbs, still no luck. I don't know how it's wired but think the 2 white wires, one from each light, run to the switch box and are connected with a wire nut. From the wire nut a single wire runs to the dimmer switch. The same goes for the black wire. Is this correct? Thanks, John

[DaveyB]

No, that does not sound correct.

Only the black (ie. Hot) wires should be connected to the dimmer, because that's how it increases and decreases voltage to the lights. Same thing goes for a switch, although a switch only operates discretely (on / off).

The only time you should EVER have a white wire connected to a dimmer or 2-pole switch is if the white wire is actually supplying or returning your 120V to your light, but that doesn't sound like the case here.

There's also certain scenarious involving 3-way switching where white wires are connected, but again, that doesn't sound like the case here.

[jpl]

DaveyB: Thanks for the input. In my situtation would this be acceptable. Both white wires go to wire nut. Both black wires go to opposite sides of the switch. The switch I have has a white and black wire. Should I use a special switch for this type of connection?

Thanks!

[donf]

Davey,

One error in your answer. A switch can be fed by a re-identified white wire. However, according to the NEC White cannot be used as a return wire.

[DaveyB]

DaveyB: Thanks for the input. In my situtation would this be acceptable. Both white wires go to wire nut. Both black wires go to oposite sides of the switch. The switch I have has a white and black wire. Should I use a special switch for this type of connection?

Thanks!

Okay, yes, that does sound fine. Your original post made me think you had two white wires on one side of the dimmer, and 2 black wires on the other.

Have you tried looking in the ceiling box of either track light? You might have a loose connection somewhere.

[DaveyB]

Davey,

One error in your answer. A switch can be fed by a re-identified white wire. However, according to the NEC White cannot be used as a return wire.

Ahh, I see. I wasn't sure on that. I've never seen a white wire used as a return, and I never would use it as that, but I wasn't sure whether the NEC would permit it or not.

Thanks for clearing that up.