How to wire a 4 way switch. Follow the switch manufacturers instructions and wiring diagram as the connections on the switch vary by manufacturer.
Way Switch Wiring Diagram Diagram Base Website Wiring Diagram
4 way switch wiring diagram. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. Click here to access note. This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
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. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. A 4 way switch has five terminals. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. Sometimes the switch wiring connection diagram is printed on the inside of the 4 way switch packaging box see example below.
4 way switch wring diagram. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. The red and black wires are connected to the four way switches.
This diagram is a thumbnail. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches. Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. 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. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. In general practice the diagram above is most often used and is a good guide for wiring a new 4 way switch circuit.
Below is a conventional wiring diagram for a 4 way switch configuration. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches in a 4 way configuration. To view it at full size click on the diagram. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
