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.
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.
Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!
The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!
The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets
UL Listed
Light indicates if wiring is incorrect
Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!
The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..
The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.
Fluorescent Lighting Problems and How To Fix Them How to Fix Fluorescent Lighting Problems: Here are the Most Common Problems with Fluorescent Lighting and How to Fix Them, Troubleshooting Problems with Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures.
Causes of Electric Circuit Buzz Crackle or Sizzle How to find out what is causing a buzz and crackle sound in the electric box. How to Locate the Cause of Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle, The Most Common Problems that Cause Electrical Circuit Buzz or Crackle and What Should Be Done.
Fix a Dusk to Dawn Light Fixture How to Repair a Dusk to Dawn Light or Motion Detector Light Fixture: The Security Light Fixture TEST Setting Functions, Replacing a Motion Detector Head on a Dusk to Dawn Fixture, How to Test a Photo Cell.
Wiring Connections when Adding Light Fixtures I am adding more light fixtures, the new lights do not work, but the original light does work, what did I do wrong? Common Wiring Problems with Light Fixtures and Dimmer Switches and How to Fix Them.
Ceiling Fan With Flashing Light Problem How to Fix Flashing Lights on a Ceiling Fan: The Most Common Problems that Cause Ceiling Fan Lights to Flash On and Off and How to Fix Them.
Godown Wiring Diagram Three Godown Wiring Methods and Godown Wiring Diagram: The Godown system may be wired using mechanical 2-pole switches.
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
This is a testing tool that is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
This is great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets
Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency
Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included
Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect, Very handy and easy to use.
A wire stripping tool used to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.
I think your site offers the the clearest and best electrical information for homeowners I have ever seen on the net.You have given me confidence to do my own projects which I never had before. THANK YOU! Paul, from Foxboro, Massachusetts
I wish I found this site earlier, it is by far the best electrical related resource I have found on the web. George, from Scranton, Pennsylvania
I love this site for an office worker that does not know anything about electric wiring. Bill, from New York City, New York
This site is so much better than the 3 books I just bought, I wish I came here first. Collin, from Grand Rapids, Michigan
Thank you for answering my question.
I was able to get this done. This site is perfect. I am glad I found it. Please keep it going. Mike, from Chicago, Illinois