Place all the 4 way switches between the two 3 way switches. 4 way switches are only used when there are 3 or more light switches controlling one light fixture.
4 Way Switches Electrical 101
4 way light switch diagram. Two terminalpoles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. 4 way switches are always wired in conjunction with two 3 way switches. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace.
When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. I would have to double check but im 90 certain the power is supplied at the entry level switch or it could be powered at the light. I did not include grounding conductors on the 4 way switch wiring diagrams in order to keep them simple. If you want more than three locations to control the lights you will need a 4 way switch for each of those extra locations. Two cubic inches are required by the national electrical code for each 14 wire. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles.
As you will see most 4 way switch wiring is placed between the wiring of two 3 way switches therefore a 4way switch is installed with two 3way. My 3 way switches dont work. Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. Free quick start guide here. The 4 way switch is on the basement level and there is a 3 way switch in the entry and at the top of the steps on the main floor. 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.
Quick 4 way light wiring. Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturers directions. Power from light fixture to light switch. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram. That is to say that any time you find a 4 way switch there will also be two 3 way switches controlling the same light fixture.
Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. For a 4 way light circuit to work you need two 3 way switches and at least one 4 way switch. See tables 31416a b. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. I have a diagram for this light switch wiring method on my 3 way switch page. My 4 way switches dont work.
Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches.
Gallery of 4 Way Light Switch Diagram
