So we used to have this ugly rusted chandelier in our dining room, but recently we decided to take it off. When removed we saw the above scene. I am now confused about which of the 2 wires/bundles with black I should connect to the black wire on the new light fixture we want to install, and which wire/bundle with white should connect to the same on the fixture. Also, the switch attached to this fixture was a dimmer switch, which we also replaced. I did try and use a circuit tester quote "for auto systems" and couldn't get it to light up in with any combination I tried. I would so appreciate any help. I would like to be able to use the dining room again some day.
Best Answer
That is a switch loop, notice the white with the group of blacks, that white goes down to the switch and the switched power is on the single black wire (if you look close that white with the black will be in the same cable as the single black) so your black on the light goes to the single black. The white on the light to the group of whites and grounds together if the lamp has one. (Plastic lamps may not have a ground, the white with the black wires should be marked usually black or with black tape but any color besides white, gray or green would meet code.) the marking of a switch loop is often overlooked/ not done.