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Electrical Wire and Cable
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Electrician Training Electrical Certification wiring recessed light fixtures Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Electrical Repairs wire outdoor light fixture Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams
wiring home generator and transfer switch wiring a 220 volt range cord outlet Wiring for GFCI Outlets Wiring Outlets and a Switched Outlet Installing and Wire Ceiling Fans and Remote Controls wire dimmer switch wiring diagrams for switches wiring a dryer cord and 220 outlet circuit breaker panel
Electrical Wire and Cable

4 Way Switch Wiring


wiring electrical switches
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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.



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!


» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! «

Here is How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.


  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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.




Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

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.


Switches Parts and Accessories


Light Switch Single Pole

3 Way Light Switch

4 Way Light Switch

Switch and Outlet Combo

Dimmer Switch





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