wall lights either side of fireplace wont work how do they get wired into switch?

Question

the present switch is seperate at the side of fireplace what wires go where

Answer 1

Inside the switch box, there are several different ways that the lights could be wired. I first check electrical problems with a voltage sensor to find out if there is power at the fixtures (maybe all you needed was a new light bulb!) If not, then I go to the switch and check to see if you have power to the switch. If yes, do you have power out of the switch? Switches can go bad. I check for bad connections in the switch box. There are so many problems that you could have from simple (is the breaker off?) to major (burned wiring) If you don't know electrical circuits, and proper methods of wiring, I would not go beyond checking for simple problems, and if you don't have the tools (voltage checker) don't do more than even look for obvious problems. Electrical problems need to be checked with the power on, then fixed with the power off. If you don't know what you are doing, call a pro! Fixing a light is not worth getting shocked over or worse, burning down your house.

Answer 2

You will have to dismount the lights and determine if they are wired. If so, use a test light and determine that the incoming black, hot wire, is receiving power. If it is hot, turn off the breaker to that wiring, install a box at the stud, (cut a hole in the sheetrock), buy a switch, disconnect the hot wire from the light and attach it to the correct pole on the switch. Then pigtail a piece of black wire from the switch to the light. The neutral is ok in place. If you use the correct poles, the switch should control the light. This breaks the hot wire when off. Install the switch into the box, using wire caps and tape. Finish with the wall plate. Turn on the power at breaker box.

Since you cannot go across the fire place, you'll have to install a switch to each light.

If neither light is wired, you'll have to work through the attic, if accessabile.

You'll have to locate a power source in the attic, preferrably at a junction box. If no junction, you'll need to install a junction box, cut into some existing wiring, WITH POWER OFF, then connect new wiring and the existing wiring together with caps and tape. Cut holes in the sheet rock for a switch near a light and fish a new wire down the wall. Strip the outer coating and connect the neutral and the ground to the light. Connect the new, hot wire to the switch. Then pigtail a hot wire from the switch to the light. Be sure to use the correct poles.

You can connect both lights to one switch by running a wire from the attic junction box, down to the single switch then from the switch back through the attic and down to the other light. This may be complicated for a DIY. Other wise, an extra wire will be needed for each light switch.

If you are not familiar with electricity, hire an electrician.

Answer 3

They do not get wired to a switch, they get wired into the lighting main supply ring and have a switch in the circuit, either in the wall lamp itself or remotely sited or possibly both.
As you do not know this I strongly suggest you get a qualified electrician to look at this and don't try a DIY solution.

Electricity kills....

Answer 4

Here is a diagram of how lights should be wired. Hope it helps, but if not best to get an electrician look at it.

http://wiki.diynot.com/electrics:lighting:single_way_lighting

Answer 5

wires would go up walls above lights , the wiring would then track under the floorboards of the bedroom above lounge normally

Answer 6

If you need to ask....don't attempt the task yourself, get a mate to do it...then you got someone to blame when it all goes t*ts up.