What do I do with the red coming out of the cieling fixture box?
Answer Hi Mike, Based on your description…..it’s more then likely that either this former ceiling fixture was a ceiling fan/light kit combo (or similiar device that calls for a hot black and a hot red) …or the original wiring was ran for one…and the red wasn’t used. What puzzles me is why the former owner removed the fixture and capped off the box with a cover plate…perhaps it simply wasn’t needed….or there was some sort of problem. You didn’t state whether this ceiling box was switched…but if it is – and only has one switch….typically only the black and white is used at the ceiling box (if there are two switches…black is usually for the fan…and red for the light). With the breaker off…here’s what I suggest: Connect the new fixture color for color to the ceiling box black and white (and connect all grounds). Cap off the ceiling box red with a wirenut…it will not be used for now. Mount the light and re-energize the breaker…turn on any switch that may control this
