need help light switch
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
Was it always this way? Or did something change?
Does light have a pull cord switch?
Does light have a pull cord switch?
gonna change the light
no pullswitch on new one
what would be the best way to wire a switch on the new fixture?
"kurt": Are you stating that you are changing the light, as in the fixture? How did you turn it ON/OFF before this change? Are you, did you, install a new (never been there before) wall switch for this light fixture? How was this fixture controlled before? You should be able to control the light fixture with a wall switch using the HOT wire from the ceiling junction box, tied throught the new light switch as the control factor. You should also be using the white "neutral" within the fixture and have a proper ground wire.
was pullstring before
The old light fixture box is 'live'. The switch/pullstring cord turned light on and off.
Normally if a room has an overhead outlet and a wall switch, they work together. It's common for the 'live' wires to be in the switch outlet box and one side of these wires passes through the switch device (black/hot wire). The switch completes the circuit or interrupts the circuit to turn light on or off. It is likely this is wired incorrectly at the switch box in the wall and live current is being sent to light box. It will take some trial and error to determine which wire is which in switch box and a high degree of caution. Make sure you figure out which circuit controls the light at your circuit breaker box. Turn it on and off as necessary while testing. JUST BECAUSE THAT ONE LIGHT CIRCUIT IS OFF DOESN'T MEAN OTHER LIVE CIRCUITS THAT MAY ALSO BE IN SWITCH BOX ARE ALSO OFF. Be careful. Use a voltage tester or test equipment to determine status of wiring in wall box. Also possible wall switch is defective and always 'on'. Try swapping with another switch. A picture could be helpful.
If you're uneasy with any of this, call an electrician.
Normally if a room has an overhead outlet and a wall switch, they work together. It's common for the 'live' wires to be in the switch outlet box and one side of these wires passes through the switch device (black/hot wire). The switch completes the circuit or interrupts the circuit to turn light on or off. It is likely this is wired incorrectly at the switch box in the wall and live current is being sent to light box. It will take some trial and error to determine which wire is which in switch box and a high degree of caution. Make sure you figure out which circuit controls the light at your circuit breaker box. Turn it on and off as necessary while testing. JUST BECAUSE THAT ONE LIGHT CIRCUIT IS OFF DOESN'T MEAN OTHER LIVE CIRCUITS THAT MAY ALSO BE IN SWITCH BOX ARE ALSO OFF. Be careful. Use a voltage tester or test equipment to determine status of wiring in wall box. Also possible wall switch is defective and always 'on'. Try swapping with another switch. A picture could be helpful.
If you're uneasy with any of this, call an electrician.
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