Look for 4 way switch wiring diagram or step how to wire a four way light switch electrical circuit a 4 way switch is a double pole double throw dpdt switch. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches.
4 Way Switching Us Light Wiring
4 way switch circuit diagram. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. Sometimes there is only a switch wiring diagram printed on the inside of the 4 way switch package box. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
Shown above is an animation of a circuit using three switches to control a light. With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturers instructions or wiring diagram. How to wire a 4 way switch. 4 way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switchesa 3 way switch is used on each end with one or more 4 way switches in between the two 3 way switchesthey do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides.
You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches.
The center switch is 4 way switch while the outer two switches are 3 way. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified. The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. As you will see most 4 way switch wiring is placed between the wiring of two 3 way switches therefore a 4way switch is installed with two 3way. For a discussion of how to wire such circuits see 3 way and 4 way light switches. Four way switch wiring instructions inside the switch packaging.
Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturers directions. Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches. Two terminalpoles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. That page and its links also discuss proper wire colors and several wiring alternatives. 4 way switch wiring with light first.
4 way switch wring diagram. Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Circuit Diagram
