[WerCMooD]

I have a 120V dimmable chandelier in my living room that works fine. I tried to put in a new 120V light and that one does not work. Knob and Tube wiring, the power comes into the light and then a wire leaves to the switch box. The switch box has 2 wires in it. The other wire in the switch box leaves and I don't know where it goes but it goes to something else in the house. The power at the light is only 24 volts or so. I don't know why the current light works fine but not the new one.

 

[surferdude2]

It's possible that someone converted the old K&T system to 24 volts at that light location. You will be able to find a transformer somewhere if that's the case. check the bulbs in the old fixture for their voltage rating.

It that be true, and the new light you are installing is 120 vac, you have your answer.

 

[Nealtw]

It's possible that someone converted the old K&T system to 24 volts at that light location. You will be able to find a transformer somewhere if that's the case. check the bulbs in the old fixture for their voltage rating.

It that be true, and the new light you are installing is 120 vac, you have your answer.

That would be a safer way to use K&T

 

[WerCMooD]

Yeah, I already went up there. No transformer. I though their might be a loose connection somewhere but there's a lot of wiring up there and they are all connected together.

 

[dmxtothemax]

sounds like you might have a relay controlled light system.
which means there is a conrol panel some where
it will be full of relays
these relays actually do the switching
usually the relays are controlled with 24v

 

[joed]

If you put the current light back up does it work?
Can you post some pictures of the fixture box wiring.

 

[Oldmaster]

Let make sure I'm on the same page. You took the chandelier down that worked and connected another light on the same box/ wires. I'm not concerned about the 24 volts. It's because there is no polarity in K&T wiring Your reading the neutral load. Turn other lights on and that voltage will change. All depends what's on. You took the dimmer out and their are 2 Wires. Did you put them together and try the light. Pictures of ceiling box/wires always help.

 

[zhawkeye]

Are you able to measure the voltage across the working lamp when the lamp is "on"?

 

[Oldmaster]

Yes you can

 

[Oldmaster]

Sorry thought you were asking me. Duh

 

[surferdude2]

I'm not concerned about the 24 volts. It's because there is no polarity in K&T wiring Your reading the neutral load.

I don't understand that statement?

 

[Oldmaster]

With k& t typically there is no ground or polarity. I've seen all kinds of voltages on the wire, can't really call it a true neutral. If you measure it to an established ground like a water pipe and depending what else is on it changes. Sometimes the whole house is on 2 k&t loops. I work on it all the time and its strange

 

[Oldmaster]

I doubt that there's 24 v by design. However, anything's possible

 

[surferdude2]

If you measure it to an established ground like a water pipe and depending what else is on it changes.

OK, I see.... I thought you meant the line to line voltage that he was connecting to the fixture. You meant the voltage on one of the lines to a nearby ground.

I don't think he was measuring it that way, but as you say, anything's possible. :wink2: