My new light fixture doesn't work!

BBhomerepair · 03-10-2011, 08:17 AM

I installed a three-way light in my home and it worked for months. Then we noticed it didn't work anymore. I bought a new light fixture thinking it was the fixture itself - because when i turn on the switch, the hot wire has power, and when i turn it off, it doesn't, so wiring doesn't seem to be a problem, and the wiring hasn't changed since the last light, Now when I turn on the light with the new fixture installed, it makes the wires hot but the lights still don't come on. - I'm sure the wiring is correct, as I've installed other three ways in my home with absolutely no problems.

Any ideas?

Jim Port · 03-10-2011, 09:03 AM

Without a way to return the current to its source the fixture will not work. You need to check all the connections. Sounds like you have lost the neutral.

cschwehr · 03-10-2011, 09:30 AM

If nothing has changed... It is likely as mentioned, a loose connection on neutral or you could check the switches to ensure they are functioning correctly, I've seen burnt out three-way's before. With a multimeter you can verify continuity between the common and each of the travelers depending on the switch. Do this with the switch removed.

You could check the neutral issue with a meter also... And I would physically look at the connections under all the wire nuts.

BBhomerepair · 03-10-2011, 10:05 AM

I'll check the neutral wires tonight. that may just be it. in fact i'm almost certain of it. Thanks again!

03-10-2011, 08:17 AM	#1
BBhomerepair Newbie Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2	My new light fixture doesn't work! I installed a three-way light in my home and it worked for months. Then we noticed it didn't work anymore. I bought a new light fixture thinking it was the fixture itself - because when i turn on the switch, the hot wire has power, and when i turn it off, it doesn't, so wiring doesn't seem to be a problem, and the wiring hasn't changed since the last light, Now when I turn on the light with the new fixture installed, it makes the wires hot but the lights still don't come on. - I'm sure the wiring is correct, as I've installed other three ways in my home with absolutely no problems. Any ideas? Last edited by BBhomerepair; 03-10-2011 at 08:26 AM.

03-10-2011, 09:03 AM	#2
Jim Port Licensed electrician Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,091	My new light fixture doesn't work! Without a way to return the current to its source the fixture will not work. You need to check all the connections. Sounds like you have lost the neutral. __________________ Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

03-10-2011, 09:30 AM	#3
cschwehr Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 44	My new light fixture doesn't work! If nothing has changed... It is likely as mentioned, a loose connection on neutral or you could check the switches to ensure they are functioning correctly, I've seen burnt out three-way's before. With a multimeter you can verify continuity between the common and each of the travelers depending on the switch. Do this with the switch removed. You could check the neutral issue with a meter also... And I would physically look at the connections under all the wire nuts.

03-10-2011, 10:05 AM	#4
BBhomerepair Newbie Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 2	My new light fixture doesn't work! I'll check the neutral wires tonight. that may just be it. in fact i'm almost certain of it. Thanks again!

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My new light fixture doesn't work!