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