Ceiling Light fixture question

[streetglider]

I know this is extremely basic for most of you but I need to ask. I am replacing a broken porelain light socket in a ceiling light. Both wires appear similar to me and the connector is something I'm not used to. Do I just place the wire under the screw like I normally do? Which wire would go to the silver screw and which to the gold screw? Both connectors on the old one look the same to me.

 

[alfredeneuman]

The hot wire would go on the gold/brass terminal and the neutral would go on the silver colored terminal (same as a receptacle).
You'll need a voltage tester to find out which is which

 

[billconner]

I agree but would be nice to check f
that the "button" at bottom of socket is hot (and connected to gold or brass) and the shell or threaded part is neutral (and connected to the silver terminal).

 

[Zeke]

The wires will go to a bundle. That is if the fixture has multiple sockets. Sometimes you can tug on a wire and see which bundle moves. Of course you need to see which bundle is switched. That may or not be obvious. A cheap meter to the threads on another socket can tell you with the power off. Always work with the breaker off.

Next time mark the wires before you remove them.

(edit: ) Glad you found the colors.

 

[The Cobbler]

the hot wire goes to the center tab .

 

[streetglider]

Thank you for your replies. I hadn't taken the wires off yet when I posted this. Both wires were covered with a white insulation-type cloth. After removing it, I saw one was black and one was white. I was able to see which wire went to the center tab then so that worked for me. I appreciate your help and the light is working.

 

[Norcal]

The neutral (white) always goes to the screw shell, the hot (black) goes to the center tab.