Why? Because this is logical, but NOT the right way to do it (light will not work). Once you take out the wires from the cable and start connecting them, you may end up with red (traveler) wire going to the brass-colored screws (or terminals) and black (hot) wire to the black (or dark) colored screws (or terminals). There could be more 4-way switches involved, but in this setup, we will connect one 4-way switch in between two 3-way switches. The basic 4-way switch setup includes 3 switches: The terminals (or screws) of the switch are color-coded as well. What am I talking about? The wires that are in your white cable (that connects the switches) are color-coded. The reason why this is a problem is that you can do a very logical and obvious thing, but your light will not turn on. Wiring for a 4-way switch is not difficult to accomplish if you avoid some basic mistakes (one of which is connecting the wrong wires that come from 3-way switches into a 4-way switch). Just flip the appropriate breaker switch and only then you can start working with wires. ** Warning #2! Disconnecting wires from the main power source is a must and is the first thing you should do before anything else. If you are not sure about what you are doing, ask a professional for assistance. ** Warning #1! Connecting wires may look simple, but if you make the slightest mistake, you will put yourself into a dangerous situation that could end up being fatal. This process is described in a better way, below (video):īefore starting to wire a 4-way switch setup, you must take account of some of the warnings: In order to figure out which terminals are linked, you can use an ohmmeter (or multimeter) for testing. When the switch is placed in the upward position, the current will flow through one set of terminals and when it is placed in a downward direction, it will pass through another set. These toggle locations will allow the current to use two pathways by which it can pass. In a 4-way switch, a total of four screws (or terminals) are present to provide 2 sets of toggle locations. These switches are employed in circuits along with the linked 3-way switches. Green-colored screw (or terminal): “Ground terminal”.Ĥ-way switches are generally used for controlling the light from three or more switches or locations (could be each floor of the stairs, for example).Two dark (or black)-colored screws (or terminals): “Common terminals”.Two brass-colored screws (or terminals): “Traveler terminals”.If you compare this switch to other variations, the 3-way switch will have four screws (or terminals) and the 2-way (casual/normally used “single-pole” switch) will have only three screws (or terminals).Ĥ-way switch screws (or terminals) are usually color-coded, which includes: What is a 4-way switch ? A four-way switch is a special complex device that is composed of 5 screws (or terminals) in total, which include: (2) common terminals, (2) traveler terminals, and (1) ground terminal: This kind of arrangement is very convenient for bigger spaces with several doors. But don’t forget that all 4-way switches should go in between the two 3-way switches.Īll additional 4-way switches get connected in between 3-way switches as well. Multiple light switches should definitely be employed along the stairwell on each and every floor.Įven if you would like to have ten switches to control one light (as an example), you will need two 3-way switches and eight 4-way switches. It is always a good idea to regulate lighting in large open spaces, where people come in and come out all the time. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE READ MY EARNINGS DISCLAIMER. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT WILL REWARD ME MONETARILY OR OTHERWISE WHEN YOU USE THEM TO MAKE QUALIFYING PURCHASES. This simple diagram below will give you a better understanding of what this circuit is accomplishing.How to Wire a 4 Way Switch DISCLAIMER: AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES. When wiring a 2-way switch circuit, all we want to do is to control the black wire (hot wire) to turn on and off the load. The cable consist of a black wire, a white wire and a bare copper wire.īlack wire = Power or Hot wire White wire = Neutral Bare copper = Ground Now a typical circuit will contain a 3-wire cableknown as romex. When wiring a 2-way switch circuit, all you're really doing is controlling the power flow (Switching off/on) to the load (a light, lamp, outlet, ceiling fan etc.) It should also help in understanding the functions of each type of switch. Go to my Switch Terminology Page where I discuss the terms used for the different types of home electrical switches. First of all we need to go over a little terminology so you know exactly what is being discussed. Wiring a 2-way switch is about as simple as it gets when it comes to basic house wiring.
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