1 switch to two light fixture, what is wrong?


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Old 07-20-15, 04:00 PM
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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.

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Old 07-20-15, 04:05 PM
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You've drawn a series circuit there. Lights must be in parallel.

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I would try to redraw the circuit and do it without putting a white wire on the switch.
 
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Old 07-20-15, 06:15 PM
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But aren't Christmas lights run on series ? why do they work as they suppose to but not lights fixtures?
 
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Old 07-20-15, 06:32 PM
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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.

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Last edited by ray2047; 07-20-15 at 07:52 PM.
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Old 07-20-15, 07:04 PM
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Christmas lights are also a different type of bulb. There is a jumper in each one in case one burns out, the rest keep going.
 
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Old 07-20-15, 08:37 PM
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Here is what I currently have installed in my bathroom.

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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?


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Old 07-20-15, 09:16 PM
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You seem to be using random wires. Is this conduit not cable? Did you look at the diagram I posted?
 
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Old 07-20-15, 09:30 PM
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Ray2047 I did see your diagram. The red wire nut with the white wire where it will go? I will be using the 25 ft. 14/2 NM-B Wire. To do the following work.


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Old 07-21-15, 12:21 AM
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Your diagram is correct.
The red wire nut with the white wire where it will go?
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).
 
 

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