Replacing an old fluorescent fixture in my garage with a new one with T-8 bulbs. When removing the old fixture I did not see where the extra Red wire was connected. Internet search said cap it another one said connect to black wires. Either way light comes on but will not turn off with the switch, it appears to be on all the time. Any ideas on how to connect wires so light turns on and off with switch?
Extra Red Wire in Light Box
- Thread starter MDSPHOTO
- Start date
Rookie2
Well-known member
was it stripped and twisted like it was in a wire nut ? do you have a white and black and red in one romex jacket ?
G_P
Well-known member
Could it be part of a 3 way switch system?
Yes it was stripped, but didn't see it when I removed the fixture. I was balancing the fixture with my head while trying to remove wire nuts. It looks like they wired the ceiling outlet for the garage door into the light as well. Switch will not turn of/off light it is always on when I restore power. Could there be another wire in there I missed that would be the switch?
pattenp
Well-known member
Since you didn't pay attention to what you were disconnecting you will need to use a volt meter to figure out which wire is hot all the time vs. being switched. You should not just trial and error hook up wire to see what works.
Rookie2
Well-known member
If there is no 3-ways involved then the red wire may go to the outlet only.
big.jim
Well-known member
the extra wire is probably the switch wire keep the others in a separate connector and connect that to hot of light
pattenp
Well-known member
Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out as a scolding. It's somewhat impossible for us not being there to say with any confidence what wire needs to be hooked up to what. Without keeping track of what wire went where you are left with needing to use a volt meter to identify the wires. People who are guessing what the wire is are doing you no service.
Sorry, I didn't mean for it to come out as a scolding. It's somewhat impossible for us not being there to say with any confidence what wire needs to be hooked up to what. Without keeping track of what wire went where you are left with needing to use a volt meter to identify the wires. People who are guessing what the wire is are doing you no service.
No worries, I am pretty frustrated having been on 10' ladder in a 98 degree garage all day working on a project that should have taken me no more than an hour.
I attached a pic of the wiring, but from what your saying just seeing it won't help.
Ray-CA
Well-known member
It might be something as simple as having a red/blk/wht/grd in the Romex (14-3.) You may have a blk/wht/grd on one circuit and a red/wht/grd on another.
But, the only way to know for sure is to buy/borrow a volt-meter. You probably know someone who could show you how to use it. Or, hire an electrician for his/her minimum time and ask them to trouble shoot it and give you some instruction using the meter.
It's not that though, but it is a bit nerve racking at first.
Good luck,
Ray
But, the only way to know for sure is to buy/borrow a volt-meter. You probably know someone who could show you how to use it. Or, hire an electrician for his/her minimum time and ask them to trouble shoot it and give you some instruction using the meter.
It's not that though, but it is a bit nerve racking at first.
Good luck,
Ray
Mustang51js
Well-known member
The black wires are supposed to be spliced together and tucked away, the red goes to the light. You have a feed through in the box where they ran a 3 wire up and a 2 wire out to another outlet
Mustang51js
Well-known member
So pull those two blacks out and nut together
My garage was wired the same way. The opener was wired into the lights and somehow we ended up having the lights always on and the opener switched. I cannot remember how we wired it up so am no help.
aandpdan
Well-known member
Red is commonly used as the switched hot lead. It should go to the light.
The blacks likely all together. Without a meter, never mind you've heard enough of that.
The blacks likely all together. Without a meter, never mind you've heard enough of that.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Worked like a charm, thank you for providing your expertise!!
