4 Way Switch Schematic

If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.

4 way switch schematic. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. More about wiring a 4way switch. You could also have switches at the top bottom of a stairway and a switch by the front door.

In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to line voltage. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. The first switch 3 way travelers brass color connect to one pair of the second switch 4 way travelers black or brass color. The center switch is 4 way switch while the outer two switches are 3 way.

A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. For example you could have switches at each end of a hallway and a switch halfway down the hallway. 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 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture.

This diagram is a thumbnail. A 4 way switch has five terminals. Shown above is an animation of a circuit using three switches to control a light. 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.

For a discussion of how to wire such circuits see 3 way and 4 way light 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. Click here to access note. A 4 way switch can be used in scenarios where you need to control the lighting of a particular place from 3 points.

Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. To view it at full size click on the diagram.

Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. That page and its links also discuss proper wire colors and several wiring alternatives. 4 way switch wring diagram. 4 way switch wiring comes in real handy when you would like to control a light fixture from more than two locations.