I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. Here is an example of a light in the middle of the run.
The Inner Workings Of A 5 Way Switch And Various Wiring Options
4 way switch internal diagram. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. All the 4 way switches are optional. My 4 way switches dont work. If you only need two switches leave out both the 4 way switches. You can also add as many 4 way switches as you like in place of any one shown in the circuits that follow. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch.
Click here to access note. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. Check here for 4 way switch troubleshooting and help with 3 ways switches here. Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch.
My 3 way switches dont work. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. For circuits that control lights from two locations only check the wiring diagrams at this link. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace.
For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. To view it at full size click on the diagram. The diagram below will give you a good understanding how this circuit is wired. Included are a 4 way dimmer switch diagram and an arrangement that can be used to control room lights from four different locations. Also this example is just adding a single 4 way switch which will give you 3 locations to control your light.
This diagram is a thumbnail. Four way switches are used any time when more than two switches are needed to control a light. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. To add more locations to this circuit you just simply add additional 4 way switches in series with the existing 4 way switch. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut.
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. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. This presentation shows the internal workings of the four way switch and how it works with three way. 4 way switch wring diagram. Wiring a 4 way switch with light at. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by.
Here are another couple of variations of 3 and 4 way switch circuits.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Internal Diagram
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