The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3 way switching. 4 way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switches.
4 Way Switch Wiring
When to use a 4 way switch. To switch from three or more locations you will need to add 4 way switches. Verify the circuit is wired correctly using the following guidelines. For more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added between the 3 way switches. Four way switches are used in combination with three way switches. A 4 way switch has four screws plus the green grounding screw. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits.
A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. They do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. I have a 4 way switch setup which is now necessary and i would like to close off the box that has the 4 way switch by answered by a verified electrician. Each set of terminals is one of the toggle positions. For example you may want to control a ceiling light in the basement from the top of the stairs from the bottom of the stairs and from a door leading to the outside.
You use 4 way switches in situations where you want to control a light or other fixture from more than two locations. A 4 way switch has five terminals. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. A 4 way switch has two positions. Multiple on off locations. A 3 way switch has three screws plus the green grounding screw.
A dual pole switch is used primarily to turn one 240v circuit on and off much the same as a single pole switch is used to turn one 120v circuit on and off. My 3 way switches dont work. Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a four way switch. 3 way switch wiring 3 way switch wiring diagrams. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers.
In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect. How is a 4 way switch different from a 3 way switch. A four way switch allows the traveller wire from one switch to travel through or criss cross between another switch. A 3 way switch is used on each end with one or more 4 way switches in between the two 3 way switches. Four way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations. 4 way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations.