Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. The red and black wires are connected to the four way switches.
How 4 Way Switches Work An Animation
4 way switch wiring diagram. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. To view it at full size click on the diagram. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.
When wiring in the 4 way switch it is most simply described as simply cutting the two traveler wires the two wires that go between the two 3 way switches and terminate on each switch and putting two wires from one switch on the top two terminals of the 4 way switch while putting the other two wires from the other switch on the bottom two terminals. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. This diagram is a thumbnail.
Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit. How to wire a 4 way switch. A 4 way switch has five terminals. 4 way switch wring diagram. Below is a conventional wiring diagram for a 4 way switch configuration. Follow the switch manufacturers instructions and wiring diagram as the connections on the switch vary by manufacturer.
This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. Click here to access note. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches in a 4 way configuration. Typical 4 way switch wiring nm cable in the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. In general practice the diagram above is most often used and is a good guide for wiring a new 4 way switch circuit.
Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. Sometimes the switch wiring connection diagram is printed on the inside of the 4 way switch packaging box see example below. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
