This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified.
How To Wire Switches
4 way light switch circuit diagram. For a discussion of how to wire such circuits see 3 way and 4 way light switches. If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram. This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides. 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.
Click here to access note. To view it at full size click on the diagram. Power from light fixture to light switch. Shown above is an animation of a circuit using three switches to control a light. This circuit is wired the same way as the 3 way lights at this link. The center switch is 4 way switch while the outer two switches are 3 way.
4 way switch wiring with light first. 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. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. In this diagram two 3 way switches control a wall receptacle outlet that may be used to control a lamp from two entrances to a room.
A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit. Three wire cable runs between the switches and the outlet. Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. 3 way switched outlet wiring. The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations.
I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. Look for 4 way switch wiring diagram or step how to wire a four way light switch electrical circuit a 4 way switch is a double pole double throw dpdt switch. That page and its links also discuss proper wire colors and several wiring alternatives. How to wire a 4 way switch. This diagram is a thumbnail.