Hot black and White, plus no box in ceiling with short wires

Canada2DIY · 08-22-2012, 06:18 PM

Hi there, Ive got two issues that I'm having trouble with: 1. My outdoor porch light has both a hot black and hot white. I tested it after turning on the breaker "just in case" (it's a century home). 2. I assume it's on the same line but the ceiling light for the porch while only having one hot wire (black), has been cut right to the ceiling where there is not box. I was thinking of cutting through the wood and installing a box, but is there a trick to connect the wires correctly? Thanks in advance

MisterZ · 08-22-2012, 06:25 PM

could you provide a photo of this area??

Canada2DIY · 08-22-2012, 06:46 PM

One of the ceiling and if you look carefully a wire off in the corner at the top left, and below is where the two hot wires are currently connected to the outdoor light.

Canada2DIY · 08-22-2012, 06:48 PM

There is actually another two wires at the other end of the porch, but both wires are dead. I think once the above light is connected, then the circuit will continue?

Canada2DIY · 08-23-2012, 08:19 AM

I've attached two pictures: in the first are the two wires in question at the center of the ceiling (you can only see one clearly, the other is literally cut flush with the wood). In the corner of the ceiling you can see a wire which I don't know what its for. In the second picture, the light is wired to the two lives wires

MisterZ · 08-23-2012, 05:24 PM

yah, it's very difficult to see all thats going on there.
im not sure what you want to do, but to install a ceiling box you'll need at least 4" of wire.

generally you would run the wires into the box with clamps, then you can pigtail the short wires to make them longer.
keep in mind any junction boxes installed must be accessable.

where the wires come out of the center ceiling, are they live or switched??
are you saying there are two sets of wires there (but one is cut off)??

Canada2DIY · 08-23-2012, 05:50 PM

Sorry, for clarification, the picture of the ceiling has the one black wire poking out at the top right of the picture (it's actually not the hot wire). The hot wire is just to the immediate right of it, flush to the ceiling. It shows as a little black dot. And it's live. Been so for 40 years apparently-says the previous owner. I just want to put those wires in a box and attach a hanging porch light to it.
As for the other wire in the left corner of the ceiling by the wall, it's not hot, nor do I know why it's there. Ignore it.