Check out some similar questions!

Mega311 · Jun 2, 2008, 07:00 PM

Hi, I am replacing a light in the ceiling with a remote control fan w/ a light. The original light was connected to 2 black wires that's are together, but the kind that you can pull apart like a twizzler candy. One of them has white labeling/writing. There was also a copper strand wire connected, which I believe is the ground. I have to connect the AC from the house to the receiver in the fan and then the receiver to the fan. I have the second part under control. Going into the receiver there's a black("AC in L") and white wire ("AC in N"). My question is which of the two black wires coming from the house go the each black and white on the receiver.

Schematic

AC FROM HOUSE

========== Black

========== Black w/ writing on it (says AWG 14)

GOING INTO RECEIVER

========== Black ("AC in L")

========== White ("AC in N")

So Which go to which?

Thanks so much for the HELP!!

EPMiller · Jun 3, 2008, 04:33 PM

If I understand you correctly, somebody used "zip" cord to wire that ceiling light. That is the stuff you find on lamps and whatnot around the house. It is for exposed locations only. That is dangerous and also illegal. I find that type of thing in houses that had a do-it-yourselfer as the last owner. Someone who new just enough to be dangerous. Usually they wanted to add another outlet or ceiling box and used whatever was at hand, so it probably isn't too extensive. Get it replaced with the correct cable, usually NM-B "romex". Unfortunately when you find one instance of that type of thing in a house there often are others. In the last 2 years I have done extensive rewiring on houses like that. And watch the plumbing too!

As to finding the hot and neutral, while not difficult, I hesitate to enable you to use the existing setup. Get it done right.

zeke · Jun 3, 2008, 04:36 PM

Providing that the house is wired correctly. The black wire with the white lettering is the neutral (white or N). With the breaker or fuse disconnected and the wall switch off place an ohm meter between the suspected neutral wire and ground. If there is resistance than that is the neutral wire. This is not the correct way to check for proper wiring, but by not knowing your level of expertise it's the safest.

ceilingfanrepair · Jun 3, 2008, 09:59 PM

I agree, the black with writing should likely go to the white. However this braided wire is probably a pigtail to the real wiring which will be white and black.

Ceiling fan wiring - Ceiling Fans N More