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How to Wire a 4-Way Switch for Multiple Locations<\/p><\/div>\\n\\n<\/p>\n
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\ud83d\udd0e What Is a 4-Way Switch?<\/h3>\n
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A 4-way switch<\/strong> is used in between<\/strong> two 3-way switches<\/strong> to extend the control of a light or group of lights to more than two locations.<\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n 3-way switch<\/strong> at the beginning<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n 4-way switch<\/strong> in the middle<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n 3-way switch<\/strong> at the end<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/p>\n You can add multiple 4-way switches<\/strong> to control the light from even more locations.<\/p>\n \\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n 3-Way Switch<\/strong>: A switch with three terminals (1 common, 2 travelers).<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n 4-Way Switch<\/strong>: A switch with four terminals<\/strong> \u2014 it flips the current between two pairs of traveler wires.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Traveler Wires<\/strong>: Connect all switches in the system.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Common Terminal<\/strong>: On 3-way switches \u2014 where power or load is connected.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Line\/Load<\/strong>: Line is incoming power; load goes to the light.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Ground<\/strong>: For safety, connected to each switch and metal box.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Two 3-way switches<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n One or more 4-way switches (depending on how many control points you need)<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Electrical boxes<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n 14\/3<\/strong> or 12\/3 cable<\/strong> (black, red, white, ground)<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n 14\/4<\/strong> or 12\/4 cable<\/strong> (optional \u2014 black, red, white, blue, ground for multiple travelers)<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Voltage tester<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Screwdriver, wire stripper<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n XLPE cable<\/strong> or SWA cable<\/strong> (for demanding or outdoor environments)<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Tip:<\/strong> For outdoor switch setups or long-distance runs through rough environments, use SWA cable<\/strong><\/a> for protection, or XLPE insulated wire<\/strong><\/a> for higher temperature resistance.<\/p>\n \\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at a basic 4-way configuration with one 4-way switch between two 3-way switches.<\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\nBasic structure:<\/h4>\n
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\\n\\n<\/p>\n\ud83e\udde0 Electrical Terms You Should Know<\/h3>\n
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\\n\\n<\/p>\n\ud83d\udce6 What You Need to Wire a 4-Way Switch<\/h3>\n
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\\n\\n<\/p>\n\ud83d\udcca Standard 4-Way Switch Wiring Diagram<\/h3>\n