3 And 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram

Wiring diagram 3 way switch with light at the end.

3 and 4 way switch wiring diagram.
You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.
A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches.
I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.

4 way switch wire colorsthere is no standard for wire colors on 3 and 4 way switch travelersthe colors will vary depending on whether nm cable or conduit was used.
Wiring of 3 way light switches is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single pole switch but you can figure it out if you follow our 3 way switch wiring diagram.
No longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes 3 way switch wiring diagram light fixture between switchesline voltage enters the first 3 way switch outlet box light fixture is located between switch boxesno longer allowed after 2011 nec if no neutral wire in switch boxes.

As you will see most 4 way switch wiring is placed between the wiring of two 3 way switches therefore a 4way switch is installed with two 3way.
With a pair of 3 way switches either switch can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.
Wiring a three way light switch.

This diagram illustrates wiring for a 4 way circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches coming after.
3 way switch wiring diagram line to light fixtureline voltage enters the light fixture outlet box.
This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be.

4 way switch wiring with light first.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram.
4 way switch wring diagram.

If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention.
A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch.

If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches.
Two wire cable is run from the light to sw1 and 3 wire cable runs between the three switches.
The ground wire is pigtailed with a wire connector at the switch boxes and the ceiling box.

Fixture between two three way switches.
4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations.
With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring.

Interested in a 4 way switch wiring diagram.
In this diagram the electrical source is at the first switch and the light is located at the end of the circuit.
The black and red wires between sw1 and sw2 are connected to the traveler terminals.

With nm cable the wire colors for travelers will be black and red using 3 wire cablewith conduit the wire colors for travelers could be any color.
They all must be between the two 3 way switches.
Three wire cable runs between the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.