4 way switch wiring comes in real handy when you would like to control a light fixture from more than two locations. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
4 Way Switches Electrical 101
4 way switch diagram power at 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 must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. 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. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. These two wires are the travelers to the 4 way switch.
It is a different color screw from the other two screw terminals. 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. The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. I have a standard circuit with a 3 way switch on each end and one 4 way switch in the middle. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Will it work if i run power to the 4 way switch instead of one of the 3 way switches. The third wire the red will not be switched at the 4 way location but passes to the final 3 way switch. Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch.
With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturers instructions or wiring diagram. Attach the black wire and white marked with blue wire going out of the box to the next switch to the bottom poles of the 3 way switch. To view it at full size click on the diagram. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. Sometimes there is only a switch wiring diagram printed on the inside of the 4 way switch package box. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers.
Click here to access note. 4 way switch wiring diagrams this 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. This diagram is a thumbnail. While wiring a 3 way switch is good enough for a staircase or hallway wiring a four way switch is crucial for the addition of a third forth or more switches. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. A 4 way switch has five terminals.
Update before i have to fire up paint and draw something see if this helps. This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides. Power from light fixture to light switch. The light is also connected to the 4 way switch.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Diagram Power At Switch
