A 4 way switch has five terminals. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers.
Video On How To Wire A Three Way Switch
4 way switch wiring diagram light middle. 4 way switch not to be confused with a 2 pole switch. To illustrate the 4 way switch wiring switch boxes and fixture boxes are not shown but are obviously required for every application. Variety of 3 way switch wiring diagram light in middle. A 4 way switch has four terminals do not confuse with and purchase a 2 pole switch by mistake. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. It reveals the elements of the circuit as streamlined shapes and the power and also signal links in between the gadgets.
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 switches. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. The 4 way terminals are labeled in and out two of each. A wiring diagram is a streamlined traditional photographic depiction of an electrical circuit. 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. 4 way switch wiring diagram.
The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. I have a diagram for this light switch wiring method on my 3 way switch page. Jan 9 2019 stunning 4 way switch wiring diagrams light in the middle s. Power from light fixture to light switch. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit.
More than three locations to control light fixtures utilizes 3 way switches at the end of the switched circuit and 4 way switches in the middle figure 9. I did not include grounding conductors on the 4 way switch wiring diagrams in order to keep them simple. Figure 8 five switches controlling a light fixture utilizing two 3 way switches and three 4 way switch with power to light fixture. See tables 31416a b. This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after. Two cubic inches are required by the national electrical code for each 14 wire.
Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram. It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace. 4 way switch wiring with light first. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.