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thegoat · Joined: 09 Nov 2004 Posts: 1 Location: chicago

What is the branch circuit conductor? I want to install a new outdoor porch light, and in the instructions, it says CAUTION-RISK OF FIRE. COUSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO ENSURE CORRECT BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTOR MIN 90 DEGREECSUPPLY CONDUCTORS. What does that all mean, and, my house is very old, and when I took the old fixture off, the wiring from the house is old, and both wires look identical, so I don't know which wire is which. Does it make a difference, as long as I just put the white wires from the new lamp together, and the black together?

vince knight · Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2004 10:40 pm Post subject:

The moderator called 'B' is best placed to answer your question as he is state side.

Vince

b · Posted: Wed Nov 10, 2004 4:09 am Post subject:

okay... lets start with the branch circuit conductor... that would be the current carrying or hot wire. It is usually black in single phase wiring. The 90C wire issue... that is to make sure that the wire doesn't heat up from the light fixture and melt the insulation and cause risk of fire. Today's romex (nonmetallic cable) is rated for that. I do not know how old the wiring of your house is... but if the insulation is at all cracked or missing you need to replace the wire. If everything is intact you are probably fine. It does make a difference when you go to wire which is hot and which is nuetral (white). The base of the screw shell is wired to the hot while the threaded shell is wired to the nuetral. It will light if you have the wires reversed but it is not correct. The warning on the fixture is common and is on there to prevent legal suits and ensure safety.
b