Four Way Switch Wiring
Four-way switch wiring can be connected between two three-way switches to allow you to control a light from three different locations. A four-way switch is installed in line or "series" with the travelers between the two three-way switches. A three-wire cable should be run from the first three-way switch to the four-way switch and from the second three-way switch to the four-way switch. The red and black wires from the first switch connect to the brass-color screws, and the black and red wires from the second switch connect to the dark- or copper-color screws. The white neutral conductor is carried all the way through all switches. Pigtail the grounding wires to the green grounding screw inside the metal switch box. It looks similar to a double-pole switch, but does not have any dedicated ON or OFF position. Four-way switch wiring controls an outlet or fixture from three separate locations, in tandem with two three-way switches; it must always be
located between the other two switches on the circuit.
In the first position the switch is open; in the second position the arm « completed to switch box A; in the third he switch ,s also closed but the circuit completed to switch box B; and in the fourth position, the circuit is closed to switch box C. The internal levers in a four way switch either connect the screw terminals in a straight vertical configuration or in a diagonal x pattern. In combination with the two three-way switches, this permits the circuit to be completed or broken by any one of the three switches. Four-Way Switch A four-way switch must be combined with two three-way switches to control a light fixture from three or more locations. Two-wire cable feeds power through the fixture to the first three-way switch. The four-way switch wiring is connected to the other switch using three-wire cable. Leave The Four Way Switch Wiring Page To Go To The Home Page |