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Electrical Wiring

Do I need a four way switch to replace this.

3 months ago

I’m updating the wall switches in my daughter’s condo. i purchased three way switches for the ones that had two switches contolling one light. i expected this to be the same, but it has four wires and a ground. I’m assuming I need to order a four way switch, correct?

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Comments (4)

wdccruise
3 months ago
last modified: 3 months ago
Your switch appears to be similar to this Leviton R52-54504-2WS 15 Amp Single-Pole 4-Way AC Switch so the appropriate replacement would be this Leviton R58-05604-2WS Decora 15 Amp 4-Way Switch. Four-way switches have two traveler wires as shown in the diagram.
sunsoleil thanked wdccruise
mtvhike
3 months ago
4-way switches are used when you have three (or more) switches controlling one light or set of lights.
sunsoleil thanked mtvhike
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Thank you again for the info. I tried doing that, but it still does not work properly. The old switch and the new switches are from different companies. It looks like there are more places to put wires in the new switch than there were in the old switch. I have finally given up, and am calling in an expert. It may cost me some money, but maybe I can figure out what he does and do the same with the other switches I installed. I'm just waiting for the electrician to show up now. Well I appreciate the suggestions you gave me. Thanks again.
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sunsoleil
Original Author
3 months ago
Mtvhike, i cant find the third switch, but i do need to replace it with a new one, so i thought i would buy the four way wdccruise suggested and wire it exactly like the old one.
mtvhike
3 months ago
last modified: 3 months ago
Does the old switch do anything? If switching it turns off or on the light, depending on the position of the other switch, then this is probably the best option. You'll find the third switch eventually!
sunsoleil thanked mtvhike

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