Electrical Question

[MikePalmer]

I have a 1950's house I have been remolding. I have a bedroom ceiling light and overhead light above kitchen sink and neither one works.

What I would like to know (I'm a do-it-yourselfer) is what is the best approach to find the problem? I assume I need to locate wire in attic and trace (follow) it to see if it is unconnected somewhere or a breaker problem.

Just wondering also what kind of tools to use to help me. Thanks

[imported_joed]

You will need the proper screw drivers etc to open the box/remove the fixture. You will also need something to test if there is voltage present.

Then you will need use a logical aproach to trace the wires and see what the problem might be. This approach is going to vary depending on what you find when you look in the box. Start by confirming the blubs are good. Then determine if there is a switch or possibly 2 switches that control the light.
If you know what fuse the light is on check that.

If both lights are on the same circuit, that could be a clue. It is probably something common to both lights.
Power for the light could be fed from a receptacle.

Could be a problem with the white wire. In that case you might measure power to the box but not to the white wire.

In switch circuits not all white wires are neutral. Sometimes they are hot wires.

If you know nothing about electricity you might be better off calling and electrician.

[MikePalmer]

Thanks for the replay. I think this is something I can do. I don't mind tackling things. IF I feel it is WAY OVER my head, I'll stop. I try to be safe first. Obviously, if I had the cash, I have a lot of things done. I have friend who can do it if it gets dicey for me. THanks for the advice. I'll be sure to follow it.