Each 3 way switch has a common terminal and two traveler terminals. 3 and 4 way switches are used to control one or more lights or fixtures from 2 or 3 switch locations such as the top and bottom of a flight of stairs.
Tutorial 3 Way Switches And 4 Way Switches
3 way switch with 4 wires. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker. A 4 way switch has five terminals. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. The white wire must be re identified as a hot wire at each switch location.
A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. Phillips or slotted screwdriver. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. Find the wires connected to the two traveler terminals. Wiring a three way dimmer switch uses four wires and allows you the convenience of dimming the light from separate switches at opposite ends of a room.
3 way switch wiring diagram with line and load in the same switch box. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. The 4 way switch connects in the middle of the two travelers. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. An example of three way switch wiring with the line and load in the same 4 square electrical box. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Two 3 way switches are connected to each other via traveler wires only one of which is hot in any given switch setting combination.
Gallery of 3 Way Switch With 4 Wires
