How To Fix 4-Way Switch Wiring

';	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

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:

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical 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.