The load wire is in one 3 way switch box and the line from the power source is in the other 3 way switch box. Wiring a 3 way light switch.
How To Wire A 4 Way Switch With 4 Lights What Are Some
3 way and 4 way switch wiring diagram. With a pair of 3 way switches either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light. 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 white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. 3 way switch wiring diagram. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. 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.
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. Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. 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. The two wiring diagrams above are of a 3 way switch setup and the same basic setup with a 4 way light switch added.
4 way switch schematics can also be used for intermediate switches. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. Four way switch wiring diagrams. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. 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.
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. A typical four way switch wiring diagram. 4 way switch wiring with light first. A 4 way switch has five terminals. 4 way switch wring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch.
If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches. In the above diagram the white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. The 4 ways are in between. This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit.
If additional 4 way switches are needed they will also go between the 3 way switches. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. 3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.