Replacing an old light fixture

Log Out | Lost Password? | Topics | Search Contact | Register | My Profile | SO home | MOL home

Thread Originator Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post   Closed: New threads not accepted on this page

Author Message   jrbell Citizen Username: Jrbell Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:21 pm:        I noticed a short in the bathroom light, so I bought a replacement fixture. When I took off the old fixture (after flipping the breaker), I went to connect the new light (white wire to white supply wire, black wire to black supply wire) and I noticed that the wiring coming out of the ceiling was not color coded. 2 questions: 1 Is there a way to tell which is which? and 2 What will happen if I connect the wires incorrectly? Will the light still work? Will it catch fire? Will it explode?   jgberkeley Supporter Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 3235 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:38 pm:        First, on a light, the color of the wire you hook to does not matter. (Switches, outlets are a different story) If you wanted to can you tell a difference? Often. You need a bright light in the area, and you need to probe or peel back some of the wrapping to find an area that has not aged over the years. Often you can pick out the black. But again, on a light it does not matter. Hint: With a bright light, look hard at the wires at the point where they enter the metal box. Old wires cook the insulation off from the heat and if so, can short. Your touching of the wires often causes more to crack off, so look hard for bare exposed wire. If found, use electrical tape to asure that the wires are covered and do not touch metal or one another.   jrbell Citizen Username: Jrbell Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2003 Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:43 pm:        Excellent! I did replace the fixture and when I turned it on I was ready with the fire extinguisher (just in case!). I did notice there was a little cracking around the insulation, so I wrapped most of the wire with electrician's tape... anywhere where I thought it could touch either the box or the other wires. Thanks for the info!   jgberkeley Supporter Username: Jgberkeley Post Number: 3239 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Saturday, October 25, 2003 - 9:53 pm:        No problem!