Bedroom hanging swag light fixture

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone could help me or explain how or what this wiring setup is in my bedroom ceiling light fixture. The hanging chain lights were only hooked up to the 2 white wires in box and the 2 black were capped together. There is a knob style dimmer that controls them as well. I havent had any issues I just had another swag/chain style light i wanted to add and was confused by this setup. Thanks again I appreciate the help and words of wisdom.

 

Switch loop. By convention the hot black should have been connected to the white if the switch loop cable but the people that did this connected black to black.

This is the way it should have been wired:



Because for safety it is important that the neutral of power in be connected to the shell of the light I would switch the connections to the switch loop to match the diagram above.

This is what you have.:

 

My eyes aren't as good as they once were, but in picture 2 are any of the wires and chains running under the lip of the canopy? If so, that is a pinch point and should be addressed. Using a chain cap and allowing the wires to enter the associated holes would be better.

Example only: https://www.lightingdirect.com/progr...la-86289069457

 

Yes the wires are put through the proper hooks, and there also was the mounting bracket or bar that is not shown in pic. All the wires and nuts were done in the box behind bracket. I will rewire according to diagrams. I guess my question would be that some of the wire for pendants do not have a clear positive and negative wire they are simply 2 matching wires. How do I tell which connect to where in the actual fixture? And Ray I love your diagrams buddy, they help so much, so thanks alot. It doesn't surprise me that the wiring was done wrong, as this is not the first thing I found. Sometime I wonder how this place has not been burnt to the ground already. This is why I would like to fix what I can for my son and I.

 

You will note on the zip cord that one of the wires has ribs on it. That is your neutral.

 

Yes I knew about the ribbed and smooth wires and how one can distinguish hot and neutral, but 2 of the 3 sets of wires simply did not have lettering, ribbing or even a difference in color of wires inside. I ended up just tracing them from the socket where i could tell which was which to fixture.

 

You can use a multimeter set to ohms to do this.

 

Thanks Ray. I am sure glad I also have the multimeter here at my dispoal as well. I actually was going to do what you suggested if I had not of been able to distinguish wire. Am currently swapping wires as per your diagram. Will let you know how it worked out. Then on to my other electrical taak

 

I swapped wires as per diagram and the pendant/swag lights work and dim properly. Thanks for the help and diagrams. Its frustrating to learn from others mistakes especially when its dangerous stuff like electricity

 

Glad you got it. Thanks for letting us know.