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kdf112 · Feb 6, 2013, 10:22 PM

I'm switching out our kitchen light. The original light had three sockets for light bulbs thus three separate wiring units. I'm replacing the light with a wiring unit with one socket. My question is: does it matter which wires I connect the new light fixture to the wires connected to the light switch? If not, can u just leave the other 2 wiring units in the ceiling? Is there any risk of live wires not connected anywhere? Thanks. Kevin

scott53715 · Feb 7, 2013, 12:20 AM

The power for your light should be coming from an electrical box. The three light fixture your are replacing, simply disconnect and remove it. Use the black (or red) wire to black, white to white and green to green or bare copper. If you had multiple feeds to a single fixture (like a fan and a light) and are only going to use one, wire nut the end of the unused wire and wrap a little electrical tape over it to make sure it stays in place. If you do not have an electrical box you have either old or cobbled crap that needs a trained eye to figure out what is going on, and how to correct the problem. Wire connections must take place within a box or inside a fixture.

stanfortyman · Feb 7, 2013, 03:47 AM

wire nut the end of the unused wire and wrap a little electrical tape over it to make sure it stays in place

I know this is an old argument, but you do not need or want to wrap wire nuts with tape. Tape will in no way make sure they stay in place, and will only leave a sticky mess down the road.

hkstroud · Feb 7, 2013, 06:12 AM

Where are you located?

three separate wiring units

What are wiring units?

kdf112 · Feb 7, 2013, 07:02 AM

Thank you Scott

scott53715 · Feb 8, 2013, 02:19 AM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

I know this is an old argument, but you do not need or want to wrap wire nuts with tape. Tape will in no way make sure they stay in place, and will only leave a sticky mess down the road.

New to this help me desk stuff. I'm 'old school', wire nuts can fall off, especially if not put on well. The sticky mess is only on the end of the wire and can easily be stripped off. Better safe than sorry. Wouldn't want a loose hot wire in a box, especially when jamming a bunch of wires up under a light fixture.

stanfortyman · Feb 8, 2013, 03:29 AM

Well, all I can say Scott is 99.5% of the professionals I know or speak to disagree with you.

Also, wire nuts don't just fall off.
If you need tape to keep a wire nut on you're not doing it right. But if it makes you feel better have at it.