If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations.
4 Way Switch With Power Feed Via The Light Switch How To
Diagram of 4 way switch. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. The diagram below will give you a good understanding how this circuit is wired. To view it at full size click on the diagram. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. Click here to access note. Three wire cable runs between all the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.
Four way switch wiring instructions inside the switch packaging. Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturers directions. 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. This is the wiring for a dimmer in a 4 way circuit. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.
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. To add more locations to this circuit you just simply add additional 4 way switches in series with the existing 4 way switch. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles. In fact a dimmer can be used this way in place of any of the 3. They all must be between the two 3 way switches.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturers instructions or wiring diagram. This diagram is a thumbnail. It shows the elements of the circuit as simplified forms and also the power and signal links between the tools. 4 way switch wring diagram. If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches.
A wiring diagram is a simplified traditional photographic depiction of an electric circuit. Collection of leviton 4 way switch wiring diagram. 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. Also this example is just adding a single 4 way switch which will give you 3 locations to control your light. Two terminalpoles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side.
A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. 4 way dimmer switch wiring diagram. To make this circuit work a 3 way dimmer can be used in place of one or both of the standard 3 way switches. The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers.
