4 Way Switch Wiring

By Dave Rongey Summary: Electrical Switches Question: Is there a difference between a 4 way and a 4 pole switch? My hall lights have a 4 way or 4 pole at the bottom of stairs two black and two white wires in the box plus ground. © By: Dave Rongey

How to Wire a 4 Way Switch

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Electrical Switches Question:
Is there a difference between a 4 way and a 4 pole switch?

My hall lights have a 4 way or 4 pole at the bottom of stairs two black and two white wires in the box plus ground. I replaced the switch and now if switch is turned off up the switch at bottom of steps does not work. What did I do wrong?

Thanks, Leonard.

Hi Leonard - Great Electrical Repair Question!
This is a common problem which occurs when a 4-way switch is replaced with a new one. There should be two pairs of screws that are a slightly different color.

Each pair of screws are for the pairs of wires coming from the two pairs of wires found in the switch box. What commonly happens is that the pairs of wires from one cable were attached to one screw of each color.

Simply separate these pairs of cables and attach them as one cable pair to one color screws, and the other cable pair to the other color of screws and this should get the switching to work normally.

Here is a link to some great 4-Way switch Wiring Diagrams which will be very helpful.

Enjoy!