How to Avoid Confusion about the White Wire and 4 Way Switch Wiring

Electrical Question: I have a 4 way switch wiring question.

• I have the first switch with the power and the 14/3 3 way wire so connect the neutrals and that one is done.
• The one I have trouble with is the 2nd box.
• I have the 3 wire from the 1st switch the 3 wire going to the 3rd box which is dead ended because I have the switch leg also going to the 2nd box?
• So there are two 14/3 wires and the 14/2 wire switch leg.

Please help me splice this.

Additional Comments: please need your help!
Background: Dan, a Other from Oroville, Wash

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dan.

4 Way Switch Wiring

• The neutrals should be spliced and pass through the middle switch box, then splice to the neutral wire that goes to the light fixture at the last switch box.
• You may experience challenges wiring the center 4-way switch.
• Pay close attention to the colors of the screws on the 4-way switch and understand that one set of wires are attached to one set of screws, and the other set of wires attach to the other set of screws.
• Getting this reversed is a common mistake that is made when wiring 4-way switches.

RESOURCES

Wiring Diagrams

4 Way Switch Wiring

4 Way Switch Wiring

Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.

How to Wire a Switch

Wiring a Light Switch – Diagram 1