Look for 4 way switch wiring diagram or step how to wire a four way light switch electrical circuit a 4 way switch is a double pole double throw dpdt switch. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch.
Wiring A 4 Way Switch
4 way electrical switch diagram. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. Two terminalpoles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. More 4 way switch wiring diagrams four way switch wiring schematic.
The electrical switch box that contains the line and load wires may need to be bigger than the other switch boxes especially if there are other wires going into the switch box. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. I have should have three switches that control the four can lights in the ceiling of my upstairs hallway. To view it at full size click on the diagram. This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after.
The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations. When i moved in only two of the switches were working and the third was not connected to the wires. Below is another method for wiring 4 way switches. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article.
4 way switch wiring with light first. 4 way switch wring diagram. Wiring a 4 way switch electrical question. Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturers directions. The two black wires were connected with a wire nut and the two red wires were connected with a wire nut in the box. Click here to access note.
They all must be between the two 3 way switches. 4 way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switchesa 3 way switch is used on each end with one or more 4 way switches in between the two 3 way switchesthey do not have an onoff position like single pole switches. This diagram is a thumbnail.
Gallery of 4 Way Electrical Switch Diagram
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