Electrical 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram

It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified.

Electrical 4 way switch wiring diagram. The diagrams below show the conventional wiring for 3 way switches in a 4 way configuration. See alternate 3 way switch wiring configuration for another way 3 way switches may be wired. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 4 way. 4 way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations.

The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations. 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. Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches. Sometimes the switch wiring connection diagram is printed on the inside of the 4 way switch packaging box see example below.

The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3 way switching. Unfortunately not all 3 way switches are wired the conventional way. 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.

This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. Bare or green ground wires are spliced together with a pigtail or two and then connected to the metal switch box with a 10 32 machine screw and to the green screw on the switch. In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.

For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. To view it at full size click on the diagram. Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. Below is a conventional wiring diagram for a 4 way switch configuration.

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