4 Way Switch Internal Diagram

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4 way switch internal diagram. Shown above is an animation of a circuit using three switches to control a light. 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. This diagram is a thumbnail.

A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle. Four way switch wiring instructions inside the switch packaging. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 4 way.

A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch you ll have no issues with a 4 way switch. This presentation shows the internal workings of the four way.

The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. That page and its links also discuss proper wire colors and several wiring alternatives. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. Conventional 4 way switch wiring.

The center switch is 4 way switch while the outer two switches are 3 way. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to.

To view it at full size click on the diagram. The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. A 4 way switch has five terminals.

With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturer s instructions or wiring diagram. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.

For a discussion of how to wire such circuits see 3 way and 4 way light switches. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. 4 way switch wring diagram.

One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. Four way switches are used any time when more than two switches are needed to control a light.