The third wire the red will not be switched at the 4 way location but passes to the final 3 way switch. First of all we need to go over a little basic terminology on switches.
Four Way Switch
4 way switch diagram power at switch. While wiring a 3 way switch is good enough for a staircase or hallway wiring a four way switch is crucial for the addition of a third forth or more switches. This allows you to control a load from other locations in addition to the 2 locations that a 3 way circuit provides. It is a different color screw from the other two screw terminals. The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. The light is also connected to the 4 way switch.
A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. I have a standard circuit with a 3 way switch on each end and one 4 way switch in the middle. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations.
Update before i have to fire up paint and draw something see if this helps. Attach the black wire and white marked with blue wire going out of the box to the next switch to the bottom poles of the 3 way switch. A 4 way switch has five terminals. 4 way switch wiring diagrams this 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut.
4 way switch wiring comes in real handy when you would like to control a light fixture from more than two locations. How to wire a 4 way switch. Power from light fixture to light switch. With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturers instructions or wiring diagram. Will it work if i run power to the 4 way switch instead of one of the 3 way switches. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
To view it at full size click on the diagram. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. Sometimes there is only a switch wiring diagram printed on the inside of the 4 way switch package box. This diagram is a thumbnail.
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. Click here to access note. These two wires are the travelers to the 4 way switch. Wiring a 4 way switch is simply adding a switch to an already existing 3 way switch circuit.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Diagram Power At Switch
