The connector box in the ceiling has the white, black and ground wires and there are 3 wires from the light fixture - one bare that I believe is the ground and the other two are not colored and look identical. If I mix up the black and white in the connection will the light still work? How will I know if i mix the wiring?
2007-01-10 08:33:28 · 5 answers · asked by Lynn 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The bare one is indeed the ground. Of the other two that come out of the light fixture, one of the wires should have writing on it. That wire goes to the white wire from the house.
Electricity is only designed to run one way through a circuit. If you have the wires reversed, you won't be in a smoldering crater. It just won't work. You reverse the wires, and then you're fine.
Please make sure to turn the power on/off at the breaker as appropriate.
2007-01-10 08:42:45 · answer #1 · answered by DA 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
The bare wire is the ground. Look closer at the other two wires. One will have ribs on it and that goes to the white wire. It will work either way but some fluorescent lamps need the polarity correct.
2007-01-10 16:41:55 · answer #2 · answered by brian d 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes the ground is bare. Many light fixtures don't color the common lead, which is normally white. The hot lead is black. Yes it's ok in this type of application to mix them.
2007-01-10 16:44:52 · answer #3 · answered by tootles 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The hot lead should go to the center contact of a thread-in bulb fixture, as this will reduce the chance of shock if you get your fingers in there.
2007-01-10 17:41:25 · answer #4 · answered by Lamron 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check to see if there is a little piece of tape on the wires with the colors.Be sure before you try. It is better to be safe than sorry. Please don't get hurt.
2007-01-10 16:45:54 · answer #5 · answered by Star J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋