How to identify the runners of a 4-way switch

bushyiii · Apr 20, 2021

Moved into a new home and my wife wanted all the existing outlets and switches to be modern design, LEVITON decora to be specific.

Everything has been changed including multiple 3-way circuits, all are working correctly. When tackling the only 4-way I ran into the problem. The 4-way colored screw orientation is different from the one to be replaced. Fearing a problem I took pictures of the existing wired connections. Then installed the new 4-way keeping the same wire orientation. It doesn't work.

Is there a way I can determine how to identify the wires so I can connect them to the correct screws? There isn't anything in the LEVITON packaging that identifies the 4-way terminals. I will check LEVITONS website for that info.

Thanks in advance

bushyiii · Apr 20, 2021

bushyiii said:
Moved into a new home and my wife wanted all the existing outlets and switches to be modern design, LEVITON decora to be specific.

Everything has been changed including multiple 3-way circuits, all are working correctly. When tackling the only 4-way I ran into the problem. The 4-way colored screw orientation is different from the one to be replaced. Fearing a problem I took pictures of the existing wired connections. Then installed the new 4-way keeping the same wire orientation. It doesn't work.

Is there a way I can determine how to identify the wires so I can connect them to the correct screws? There isn't anything in the LEVITON packaging that identifies the 4-way terminals. I will check LEVITONS website for that info.

Thanks in advance

I tried attaching pictures but wasn't permitted. The original 4-way switch had a Black and Bronze screw on one side and the same on the other, the new 4-way has two Black screws on one side and two Bronze on the other.

westward10 · Apr 20, 2021

Connect the wires to the bronze and black like the other switch it is just a different orientation blacks are common and bronze the travelers. Trial and error will see it working.

bushyiii · Apr 20, 2021

westward10 said:
Connect the wires to the bronze and black like the other switch it is just a different orientation blacks are common and bronze the travelers. Trial and error will see it working.

Thanks, that helped a lot. The 4-way is now working correctly.