How to install Google Nest cam w/Floodlight if my original floodlight had 2 black wires and 1 white?

[BigCalls]

I installed using one of the black wires and the camera is running on battery instead of “plugged in”.  I have another one in another location that has only 1 black wire and that one is doing fine.  Tips?

[Dannydelrio]

This one wire is at the mounting box I take, is this a switched location ? Is there a switch that turns on this light ?  That’s the only reason why I think it wouldn’t work. 

[BigCalls]

Yes it is a switched location. The other one that works is a switched location as well but only has 1 black wire. I’m not sure why this one has 2 black wires, I don’t think it’s a 3 way switch.  I’ll try the other black wire and see if that helps. I shouldn’t put the two black wires from the house together right?

[BG]

I would think it would work if you wire it back exactly like the old floodlight. Maybe you had a 3 way switch? Your old fixture should have had a hot wire (black), neutral/common (white) and ground wire. Sounds like they used another black wire as maybe the ground? I'm not an electrician but it should work if your old floodlight worked if you wire it the same. You may have to call an electrician or get it installed professionally.

[BigCalls]

I think the old setup had a black wire to the sensor and one to the lights. I’ll try swapping them today.  There are two blacks, one white, and a ground. It is a switch location but I don’t think it’s a 3way. 

[Dannydelrio]

if there’s 2 black wires at the box, something  else it’s being fed of from there. I would get a NON contact tester and test both wires by turning the switch on.  I would advice you against it since you might get shocked if you don’t have any electrical background, which looks to me that you don’t. 

good luck! 

[BigCalls · Accepted solution]

All set. It was a 3 way where one went to the old sensor and the other to the lights. I swapped to use the one from the sensor and closed the other one. 

[Brad]

Hi there,

It looks like this is no longer an issue, but I am just checking in to see if you still need assistance with this issue. Please let me know if you need further assistance. 

Best Regards,

Brad.

[Brad]

Hey Folks.

At this time, I'll go ahead and lock this thread. If you're still experiencing problems, feel free to start a new thread and we'll be happy to help.

Best Regards,

Brad.