4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
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Understanding Three Way Wall Switches
4 way switch internal diagram. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. To view it at full size click on the diagram. To add more locations to this circuit you just simply add additional 4 way switches in series with the existing 4 way switch. My 4 way switches dont work. Sometimes the switch wiring connection diagram is printed on the inside of the 4 way switch packaging box see example below. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch.
The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article.
The diagram below will give you a good understanding how this circuit is wired. This diagram is a thumbnail. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. My 3 way switches dont work. Also this example is just adding a single 4 way switch which will give you 3 locations to control your light. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.
Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets. The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The red and black wires are connected to the four way switches.
They all must be between the two 3 way switches. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. Click here to access note. Follow the switch manufacturers instructions and wiring diagram as the connections on the switch vary by manufacturer. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention.
Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. Conventional 4 way switch wiring. A 4 way switch has five terminals. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 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.
4 way switch wring diagram.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Internal Diagram
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