A 4 way switch has five terminals. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
Wiring Diagram 3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram Leviton
4 way switch diagram. Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. 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. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits.
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. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. Conventional 4 way switch wiring. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. This diagram is a thumbnail. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut.
A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. Power from light fixture to light switch. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle.
It is a different color screw from the other two screw terminals. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. To view it at full size click on the diagram. Sometimes there is only a switch wiring diagram printed on the inside of the 4 way switch package box. Attach the black and whiteblue traveler wires entering the 4 way switch box to the in terminals often the top terminals on the 4 way switch black on the left top pole and whiteblue on the right top pole. They all must be between the two 3 way switches.
Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. Some 4 way switches may have the in and out pairs opposite each other rather than top and bottom. My 3 way switches dont work. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. Click here to access note. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. My 4 way switches dont work.
4 way switch wring diagram. Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Diagram
