4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram

To switch from three or more locations you will need to add 4 way switches.

4 way switch wiring diagram.
While the physical location of the 4 way switch may be anywhere the electrical location of the switch is always between the two 3 way switches.
For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article.
In your diagram of the 4 way switch the wiring on my left 3 way switch is the same but the right 3 way switch has the blacks on the same side and the red on the other.

The two wiring diagrams above are of a 3 way switch setup and the same basic setup with a 4 way light switch added.
If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch.
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.

2 responses to 4 way switch wiring diagrams jerry says.
4 way switch configurations are used to control lights with three or more switchesa 3 way switch is used on each end with one or more 4 way switches in between the two 3 way switchesthey do not have an onoff position like single pole switches.
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I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects.
When you want to switch electrical devices lights or other outlets on or off from two locations you use a pair of 3 way switches.
4 way dimmer switch wiring diagram.

A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches.
To view it at full size click on the diagram.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention.

Fyi i have the same wiring problem as karen described.
A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch.
To make this circuit work a 3 way dimmer can be used in place of one or both of the standard 3 way switches.

This diagram is a thumbnail.
4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations.
How to wire a 4 way switch.

The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations.
They all must be between the two 3 way switches.
Typical 4 way switch wiring nm cable.

You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit.
This is the wiring for a dimmer in a 4 way circuit.
Three wire cable runs between all the switches and 2 wire cable runs to the light.

It is important to understand how these switches are wired before attempting to troubleshoot or replace.
The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.
If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches.

4 way switch wring diagram.
November 14 2012 at 851 am.
In the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box.