A 4 way switch has two positions. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified.
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2 Way Switching Diywiki
4 way switch definition. An exchange or a swap especially one done secretly. A 3 way switch is used on each end with one or more 4 way switches in between the two 3 way switches. An electric switch used in house wiring so that a light may be turned on or off at three or more places. In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect. Four way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations. That page and its links also discuss proper wire colors and several wiring alternatives.
Definition of four way switch. In position two the switch cross connects the contacts on the left with the contacts on the right in an x connection. The center switch is 4 way switch while the outer two switches are 3 way. Each set of terminals is one of the toggle positions. A device used to break or open. There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a four way switch.
4 way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switches. The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations. Four way switch synonyms four way switch pronunciation four way switch translation english dictionary definition of four way switch. A 4 way switch is a double pole double throw dpdt switch. A transference or shift as of opinion or attention. They do not have an onoff position like single pole switches.
Note that in the above animation the wires are color coded to indicate their voltage state. All four terminals are always brass in color. Four way switches are used in combination with three way switches. For a discussion of how to wire such circuits see 3 way and 4 way light switches.