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About Bob Sponaugle
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Just about any home wiring question. (not appliance repair) I have done all kinds of home wiring for myself, including adding a new breaker box, etc. Please, questions from North America only. Please be specific with details.

You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home > FLOODLIGHTS

Electrical Wiring in the Home - FLOODLIGHTS

Expert: Bob Sponaugle - 7/2/2009

Question
I HAD SOME DUSK TO DAWN FLOODLIGHTS ON MY PORCH AND EVERY TIME IT GETS LITTLE CLOUDY THEY COME ON. I THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING A LIGHT SWITCH TO TURN IT ON/OFF MANUALLY. BUT WHEN I HOOK UP THE LIGHT SWITCH IT TRIPS THE BREAKER.

Answer
Hi.

Are the switches connected between the power coming in and the floodlight, or are they run from a separate wire going to the floodlight?

If they are before the floodlight, cap the white wires together and connect the two black wires to the switch terminals.

If there is a separate wire, put a piece of black tape on either end of the white wire to show it is hot. One switch wire connects to the black power source, the other to the black fixture wire. The white power source wire connects directly to the white fixture wire.

I hope this helps.

Bob

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This site answers questions related to home electrical wiring, home wiring, general electrical help,and other electrical questions related to aleternating current (AC). You can find help on the National Electical Code, home electrical issues, wiring electrical outlets, installing lighting, electrical grounding, and general electrical help for do-it-yourself projects not require an electrician. If you do not see your home electrical wiring question answered in this area then please ask your electrical wiring question here