Wiring a 3 way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram. This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after.
4 Way Switches Wiring Diagram
Wiring for a 4 way switch. The two wiring diagrams above are of a 3 way switch setup and the same basic setup with a 4 way light switch added. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 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. The source neutral wire is connected directly to the light fixture and the hot is. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace.
I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. Two terminalpoles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. Wiring a 3 way light switch. If additional 4 way switches are needed they will also go between the 3 way switches. Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit. 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.
With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 4 way switch wiring with light first. If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches. This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. This is a scenario where you have 3 light switch locations that control a single light fixture unless.
Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturers directions. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. While the physical location of the 4 way switch may be anywhere the electrical location of the switch is always between the two 3 way switches.
Gallery of Wiring For A 4 Way Switch
