wire a light fixture from old electric
#1
02-11-22, 07:29 PM
wire a light fixture from old electric
there was previously a ceiling fan here i took out and want to install a simple light fixure… how would i install it? there is no bare wire… all i see is this black and white OLD wires
#2
02-12-22, 05:21 AM
Group Moderator
Black and white wires connect to the black and white wires in the box (black to black, white to white)
The bare wire is the ground wire and is only used during a fault. Just connect it to the metal strap of the fixture or to the metal box. The box is likely not grounded, but in case it is, this will provide the path to ground.
The bare wire is the ground wire and is only used during a fault. Just connect it to the metal strap of the fixture or to the metal box. The box is likely not grounded, but in case it is, this will provide the path to ground.
#5
02-12-22, 07:24 AM
Member
If the two wires enter the box through separate holes it is most likely knob-and-tube wiring. Looks possibly like a newer style box mounted to an older cast box that might even have included a connection for gas lighting. As Tolyn said just use the wires as they are.
#6
02-14-22, 06:08 PM
im not sure what it is (knoband tube wiring?)
Knob and tube wiring isn't inherently unsafe, it has been running in your house for a long time! There are 3 main things to know:
1) You want to be sure to not overload it (lights are unlikely to, but if you're using space heaters or air conditioners, you'll want to try to connect to a newer circuit.
2) Old fuse panels are often over-fused. Most K&T wiring should be connected to a 15A circuit breaker or fuse. Often, people would replace with a 20A or 30A fuse and allow an overload condition to happen.
3) You can't insulate over/around K&T wiring. Not a big deal until you decide to insulate the attic or walls.
2john02458
voted this post useful.
