Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Neutral or Hot Wire

Doityourself.com community forum was created to provide answers to all questions related to home improvement and home repair. Doityourself community can help you find information about how-to topics on small fixes to large remodeling projects. With comprehensive how-to content and expertly moderated community forums DoItYourself.com makes it easy to tackle even the most complex home improvement projects.



PDA

View Full Version : Neutral or Hot Wire

tlmac
01-01-06, 08:34 PM
I'm in the process of replacing an old ceiling fixture in an old house with a new fan. Trouble is, the two wires coming out of the ceiling box look the same. One is not clearly white. Is there a way to determine which wire is the neutral and which one is hot? Thanks!

John Nelson
01-01-06, 08:41 PM
For less than $15 at your home center, you can buy a non-contact voltage "tick" tester. They are easy and fun to use. Everybody who lives in a house with old wiring, especially ungrounded wiring, should have one.
tlmac
01-01-06, 08:55 PM
Can't tell you how much I appreciate this information, John. Will definitely post and let you know how the fan works.

tlmac
01-07-06, 01:59 PM
Just a note to let John know I picked up a non-contact voltage tester at my local hardware store. Looks like a jumbo ink pen and runs off battery but it worked beautifully. New ceiling fan with light fixture is up and running. Thanks, again.
terri