The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page.
Bz 5143 2 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram
4 way switch diagram. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. 4 way switch wring diagram. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturers instructions or wiring diagram. Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches.
Conventional 4 way switch wiring. Click here to access note. 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 wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. My 4 way switches dont work. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention.
A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to. My 3 way switches dont work.
A 4 way switch has five terminals. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. Attach the black and whiteblue traveler wires entering the 4 way switch box to the in terminals often the top terminals on the 4 way switch black on the left top pole and whiteblue on the right top pole. Power from light fixture to light switch. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. Some 4 way switches may have the in and out pairs opposite each other rather than top and bottom.
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. Sometimes there is only a switch wiring diagram printed on the inside of the 4 way switch package box. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. To view it at full size click on the diagram.
This diagram is a thumbnail. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. It is a different color screw from the other two screw terminals. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Diagram
