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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.

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Electrical Wiring in the Home - celing light wiring

Expert: Bob Sponaugle - 7/4/2009

Question
I removed a ceiling fan that had 3 wires (black, black with a white stripe and white) it was installed in the ceiling box to 2 separate red wires (one was connected to black and the other red was connected to the black with white stripe)and the white wire was connected to a grouping of 3 other white wires. the light was connect to a single switch and there was full power on the fan, which was controlled by using the pull chain--I am thinking that is why the 2 red wires were separated but i am not sure. I am seeking your advice because...i am trying to replace the fan with a 2 bulb light fixture only. it has 2 blacks and 2 white wires along with a ground. i understand the ground and the white wires but... do i connect the 2 blacks with the 2 reds all TOGETHER or do i connect 1 black to each red or do i cap off a red and connect both blacks to one red--if so what red do i cap off? looking forward to your reply.

Answer
Hi.

One red wire is on all the time, the other one is on when the switch is on. Treat the 2 black wires from the fixture as one wire and try it on one red wire. If it does not turn off, then use the other red wire. Cap the red wire which you do not use. Don't connect the red wires together.

I hope this helps.

Bob

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