If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. 3 way switches and 4 way switches controlling a light or lights with two or more switches these pages describe how to use 3 way and 4 way switches to control lights from two or more locations.
Wiring A 4 Way Switch
3 way 4 way switch. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. Trace your finger over the wires as shown on the screen and you can see this more clearly. For 4 way switch wiring you will need two 3 way switches one at each end and then as many 4 way switches as you want in between. 2 wire cable runs from the light to the first switch and then 3 wire is run between all the switches. A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle.
A 4 way switch has five terminals. Starting with safety and understanding 1. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. With 4 way switches you can control them from three places. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to line voltage. The first switch 3 way travelers brass color connect to one pair of the second switch 4 way travelers black or brass color.
There is a pathway for the electricity through the four way switch but that pathway ends at one of the three way switches. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. How 3 way and 4 way switch circuits work controlling a light with two or more switches. Return to location you plan to wire to verify that there is no electric flow to that device. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. For more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added.
There is one basic difference between the 3 way switch and the 4 way switch and that is the number of terminals in the switch. If the device is still. Turn off electric power. In case of a 3 way switch you can control the lights from two different places. This page describes how to use 3 way and 4 way switches to control lights. At the light the black hot wire will pass right through going to the first switch.
I would have to double check but im 90 certain the power is supplied at the entry level switch or it could be powered at the light. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. Turn on the light or device being controlled by the 3 way switches if you already have them. The 4 way switch is on the basement level and there is a 3 way switch in the entry and at the top of the steps on the main floor. Controlling a light with three or more switches. Any number of four way switches may be added between two three way switches.
Gallery of 3 Way 4 Way Switch
