I'm swapping out one light fixture for another. The new fixture does not light up though. Have done several tests and am stumped (I hope it's something stupid).
1. Circuit wiring tests good with fixture disconnected. 120v across hot/neutral. Pen test on hot good.
2. Lamp wiring appears to test good. Continuity between each wire and each of 5 bulb sockets is good. Continuity tests good as bulbs are added as well.
3. Connect fixture to hot. Pen test at wire nut is hot, pen test at empty bulb socket is good.
4. Breaker does not trip - other outlets on the same circuit (but not on the switch/dimmer) stay lit.
5. Connect fixture to neutral. No power. Zip.

Why does connecting the neutral cause a complete loss of power to the fixture?

 

Welcome to the forums.

You don't have a solid neutral connection and connecting a load to it causes it to open.
What is at the fixture..... just a single cable with white and black ?
If yes that would indicate it comes directly from the switch and you need to check there for neutral.

 

Yes, just a single connection to a single switch (no 3 way involved or ceiling fan etc).

OK, will check neutral at the switch and also check the fixture on another circuit.

 

When you check the neutral at the switch..... first check for a loose connection.
In order to check for loss of neutral you will need to have the chandelier connected to keep the neutral loaded.

 

All that fussing about and it's a bad fixture. Thx for the assist on verifying the rest of it is good.

 

Thanks for letting us know the outcome.