A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. This presentation shows the internal workings of the four way switch and how it works with three way.
4 Way Switches Electrical 101
4 way switch internal diagram. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. To view it at full size click on the diagram. Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches. Also this example is just adding a single 4 way switch which will give you 3 locations to control your light.
It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. Click here to access note. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. My 4 way switches dont work. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems.
Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. All the 4 way switches are optional. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. My 3 way switches dont work. The diagram below will give you a good understanding how this circuit is wired. Included are a 4 way dimmer switch diagram and an arrangement that can be used to control room lights from four different locations.
For circuits that control lights from two locations only check the wiring diagrams at this link. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. To add more locations to this circuit you just simply add additional 4 way switches in series with the existing 4 way switch. Here is an example of a light in the middle of the run. This diagram is a thumbnail. Here are another couple of variations of 3 and 4 way switch circuits.
4 way switch wring diagram. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. Four way switches are used any time when more than two switches are needed to control a light. Check here for 4 way switch troubleshooting and help with 3 ways switches here.
The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. You can also add as many 4 way switches as you like in place of any one shown in the circuits that follow. Wiring a 4 way switch with light at. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. 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. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
If you only need two switches leave out both the 4 way switches.