Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    kenshad's Avatar
    kenshad Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 20, 2009, 03:28 PM
    Connecting 4 wire and 3 wire cables
    I am connecting a wirering that was done for me, I came across an unfamiliar connection, that is 4 wire cable from light switch to light bulb, how do I connect this , I am only familiar with life, neutral and earth wires, which one is the 4th one, and why 4
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Nov 20, 2009, 05:18 PM

    The 4 wire cables actually are called 14/3 and 12/3 for 14and 12 AWG. The ground is assumed and the 4th wire.

    4 conductors are needed for some 240 circuits that need a neutral. It's also used for 3 phase.

    In the home, it's typically used when wiring 3-way and 4-way switches where a light can be turned on or off from n locations in the home.

    Using x/3 cable from the switch to light when the light has the powered conductors to it.

    This allows a number of options. Ceiling fan and light combos controlled from the wall. Regular switch loops (use red and black) and the use of timers and other home automation devices that require a neutral. The whites can be capped.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Connecting neutral wire to ground wire in breaker panel [ 3 Answers ]

Can the neutral wire be connected to the ground wire at the neutral bar in the breaker panel?

Connecting 3 wire to a 4 wire service panel [ 5 Answers ]

I am trying to connect from a 3 wire system at the utility pole to a 4 wire service panel inside a new mobile home. I called an electrician for some advice and was told that I needed to drive an 8ft ground stake and attach a solid copper wire from the stake to the ground bar in the panel. Then I...

Connecting 240V 3 wire to 240V 4 wire [ 2 Answers ]

I bought a new Electric Counter Top Stove. The New stove has only 3 wires to connect (Red, Black, and Ground). My old stove have 4 wires (Red, Black, White, and ground). What do I do with the White Wire that is coming from my Electrical Box. This is what the install manual says. You must...

Connecting a ceiling fan with a 2 wire remote [ 4 Answers ]

I have a ceiling fan with black and a white wire that connects to the supplied voltage. The problem is that I have 4 wires (Red, white black and bare). Which wires do I connect to the remote? The output of the remote is Blue, Black, White and Ground.

Connecting 4 wire cooktop [ 1 Answers ]

Can you assist me with connect a new four wire cooktop to my existing breaker panel? I have a 40 amp 2 pole breaker in my panel, but I have four wires coming from the new cooktop. I am installing a new Kenmore Elite model #44089. Do the black and red go to the breaker? The green to ground? What...

View more questions Search