exterior lights

[msmorto]

I have 2 light fixture on the back door of my house, one light works the other do not , I have replace both light with new one and the same thing happen,
the switch is on the inside next to the back door. at the box that the light that does not work has a white and a black wire both are hot ? I just bough this house about 6 month ago the house was built in the 70,s

 

[bernardgreen]

I assume by "hot" you mean 110 volts above ground voltage and the lamps are 110 volt.

The Black will be "hot" when the lamp is switched on. The White should close to the ground voltage at all times.

Therefore I would suggest that the white wire has become disconnected some where.

 

[winston1]

What you say is basically correct but voltage in the US is 120V not 110V.