4 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.

4 way switch wiring diagrams. Only light switch boxes need to be labelled when wiring for a 3 way or 4 way system. 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. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. This diagram is a thumbnail.

A wiring diagram is a simplified traditional photographic depiction of an electric circuit. Collection of leviton 4 way switch wiring diagram. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations.

More 4 way switch wiring diagrams four way switch wiring schematic. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified. Next you ll need to rip out the wires and prepare them for installing the 3way and 4way devices. If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches.

For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. The two wiring diagrams above are of a 3 way switch setup and the same basic setup with a 4 way light switch added. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. While the physical location of the 4 way switch may be anywhere the electrical location of the switch is always between the two 3 way switches.

Place all the 4 way switches between the two 3 way switches. 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. For a 4 way light circuit to work you need two 3 way switches and at least one 4 way switch. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations.

To view it at full size click on the diagram. A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to. If you want more than three locations to control the lights you will need a 4 way switch for each of those extra locations.

It shows the elements of the circuit as simplified forms and also the power and signal links between the tools. 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. Quick 4 way light wiring.