4 Way Electrical Switch Wiring Diagram

Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturer s directions.

4 way electrical switch wiring diagram. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. This diagram is a thumbnail. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch.

Typical 4 way switch wiring nm cable. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. The white wire becomes the energized switch leg as indicated by using black or red electrical tape. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified.

In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. To view it at full size click on the diagram. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture.

Below is another method for wiring 4 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. Two terminal poles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article.

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. 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. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles.