1 switch to two light fixture, what is wrong?
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 19
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
1 switch to two light fixture, what is wrong?
Shouldn't this connection work. I have Black hot wire connected to bottom of the light switch. The top of the light switch is connected to Black wire of the first light fixture, then white wire of the first fixture is connected to Black wire of the second fixture and the white wire of the second fixture is connected to the white wire of the power source. When I turn on the switch neither of the lights turn on.

#2
You've drawn a series circuit there. Lights must be in parallel.

I would try to redraw the circuit and do it without putting a white wire on the switch.

I would try to redraw the circuit and do it without putting a white wire on the switch.
#4
Light fixtures aren't designed that way. They are designed to work on 120 volts. If the bulbs are equal wattage each will only have 60 volts.
It would be easier to bring power into the switch but if you want to bring it into the last box you need to use 3-conductor cable not 2-conductor from the first light box on. You would still use 2-conductor from breaker to first light.
It would be easier to bring power into the switch but if you want to bring it into the last box you need to use 3-conductor cable not 2-conductor from the first light box on. You would still use 2-conductor from breaker to first light.

Last edited by ray2047; 07-20-15 at 07:52 PM.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 19
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Here is what I currently have installed in my bathroom.

I want to add another light connected to the same light switch. Here is a picture of what I will be doing. I will also be using 14/2 cables even though they have a ground wire. My place due to being constructed back in the 1930s doesn't have ground wire. Will this connection now work?

I want to add another light connected to the same light switch. Here is a picture of what I will be doing. I will also be using 14/2 cables even though they have a ground wire. My place due to being constructed back in the 1930s doesn't have ground wire. Will this connection now work?

#9
Your diagram is correct.
It is capped off and not used. Assuming it is 3-conductor cable you will have a red, black, and white wire in the switch box. While not used it is required by current code to have a neutral at the switch even if not needed (unless this is conduit).
The red wire nut with the white wire where it will go?