For example with a 3 way switch such as the tm873w one light load could be controlled from up to two different locations. The primary difference between a 3 and 4 way switch is the number of locations from which a light load can be controlled.
Switches How To Wire A Light Switch
Difference between 3 way and 4 way switch. Home electric wiring can be achieved using a tester to find the wires you want the travelers versus the commons. Controlling a light with three or more switches for more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added between the 3 way switches. A four way has four. For example single pole 3 way with off double pole change over two pole 4 way without off two pole 6 position 5 way one position is off. A three way switch has three terminals. A 4 way switch is used when you need 3 or more switched to control the same fixture.
These control a light from two or three switch locations such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell at either end of a hallway or in a large room with multiple entrances. This one minute animated tutorial is my clearest presentation of 3 and 4 way switches in action. 4 way switches an animation. In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect. Several example circuits using two switches to control a light. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches.
This makes things clear for the answer 3 way and 4 way mean the switch can connect its pole in 3 or 4 different positions with or without off position this needs to be specified. A 4 way switch has two positions. Any number of four way switches may be added between two three way switches. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. There is a pathway for the electricity through the four way switch but that pathway ends at one of the three way switches. Some have the light between the switches while some have the light at the end.
Trace your finger over the wires as shown on the screen and you can see this more clearly. A dimmer switch controls a lights intensity. For 4 way switch wiring you will need two 3 way switches one at each end and then as many 4 way switches as you want in between. You can usually replace any single pole switch with a dimmer. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. A 3 way switch and a 4 way switch can be confusing.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. I will show how to wire 3 switches however you can add as many 4 way switches to the circuit as you need or want. Switches are specified by number of poles and number of ways with or without off position. Be sure to turn the power off before you start.
Gallery of Difference Between 3 Way And 4 Way Switch
