should both white wires be connected for ceiling light?

I replaced a ceiling light and noticed that the old one had 2 white wires connected with the same cap. (There were also black and copper wires.)

Should both white wires be connected to the new fixture? It works with just one connected but an adjacent light (on same circuit) now doesn’t work, even though I didn’t touch it.

Thanks.

Yes..

All three white wires should be on the same wire nut. One is coming from the feed and one is going to the light and the last one is going to the the light that is not working.

There should also be three black wires connected on another wire nut and three ground wires that are also connected to each other.

4 Responses to “should both white wires be connected for ceiling light?”

  1. chicagirl51, on November 11th, 2009 at 10:08 am Said:

    You disconnected the power to the other light. Connect the other white wire back.
    When replacing ceiling lights leave everything connected except the old one you are removing.
    References :
    do alot of electrical work in my house.

  2. Jim W, on November 11th, 2009 at 10:21 am Said:

    Yes, both white wires must be connected to complete the circuit to the other light.
    References :

  3. nedree@verizon.net, on November 11th, 2009 at 11:05 am Said:

    ditto.
    References :

  4. Anna, on November 11th, 2009 at 11:34 am Said:

    Yes..

    All three white wires should be on the same wire nut. One is coming from the feed and one is going to the light and the last one is going to the the light that is not working.

    There should also be three black wires connected on another wire nut and three ground wires that are also connected to each other.
    References :

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