4 way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems.
Leviton 20 Amp 4 Way Preferred Toggle Switch White
When to use a 4 way switch. To switch from three or more locations you will need to add 4 way switches. 3 way switch wiring 3 way switch wiring diagrams. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. My 3 way switches dont work. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. A four way switch allows the traveller wire from one switch to travel through or criss cross between another switch.
Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a four way switch. Multiple on off locations. Verify the circuit is wired correctly using the following guidelines. Each set of terminals is one of the toggle positions. They do not have an onoff position like single pole switches.
A 4 way switch has two positions. For example you may want to control a ceiling light in the basement from the top of the stairs from the bottom of the stairs and from a door leading to the outside. 4 way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switches. A 3 way switch is used on each end with one or more 4 way switches in between the two 3 way switches. A 4 way switch has five terminals. Four way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations.
We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. A 4 way switch has four screws plus the green grounding screw. Four way switches are used in combination with three way switches. You use 4 way switches in situations where you want to control a light or other fixture from more than two locations. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. A dual pole switch is used primarily to turn one 240v circuit on and off much the same as a single pole switch is used to turn one 120v circuit on and off.
For more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added between the 3 way switches. The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3 way switching. How is a 4 way switch different from a 3 way switch. A 3 way switch has three screws plus the green grounding screw. I have a 4 way switch setup which is now necessary and i would like to close off the box that has the 4 way switch by answered by a verified electrician. In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect.