How To Fix 4-Way Switch Wiring
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How to Avoid Confusion about the White Wire and 4 Way Switch Wiring with the power and the 3-wire cable of the 3 Way Switches
© By: Dave Rongey
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How to Avoid Confusion about the White Wire and 4 Way Switch Wiring
[ad#block]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
The following may also be helpful for you:
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Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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