4-way switch wiring allows you to control one light (or a group of lights) from three or more different locations—commonly used in long hallways, large rooms with multiple entrances, and staircases.

This guide answers all top questions including:

• How do I wire a 4-way switch?

• How does a 4-way switch work?

• What is the wiring diagram for a 4-way switch?

• How to wire a 4-way switch with the light in the middle?

All diagrams and explanations are beginner-friendly.

⭐ What Is a 4-Way Switch?

A 4-way switch is a special electrical switch used between two 3-way switches to control a light from 3+ locations.

A standard 4-way switch has:

• 4 terminals (two dark “IN” terminals, two brass “OUT” terminals)

• No COM (common) screw

• Must be installed between two 3-way switches

A 4-way switch cannot operate on its own.

⭐ Basic 4-Way Switch Wiring Explained

A functioning 4-way circuit uses:

1. One 3-way switch (Power In / Line)

2. One 3-way switch (Load / Light Out)

3. One or more 4-way switches in the middle

Signal path:

Power → 3-way switch → 4-way switch(es) → 3-way switch → Light

🧰 Tools & Requirements

• 3-way switch (x2)

• 4-way switch (x1 or more)

• 14/3 or 12/3 cable (traveler wires)

• 14/2 or 12/2 cable (power + load)

• Voltage tester

• Wire strippers

🔌 4-Way Switch Wiring Diagram (Most Common Layout)

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Below is the standard wiring layout:

4-way switch wiring diagram

🔧 How to Wire a 4-Way Switch (Step-by-Step)

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Step 1 — Wire the First 3-Way Switch

• Connect LINE (hot) to the black COM screw

• Connect two traveler wires to the two brass screws

• Ground to green screw

Step 2 — Wire the 4-Way Switch

The 4-way switch has two pairs:

• IN (from first 3-way travelers)

• OUT (to second 3-way travelers)

Match pairs:

(No common terminal.)

Step 3 — Wire the Last 3-Way Switch

• Two travelers go to brass screws

• LOAD wire (to light) goes to the common black screw

Step 4 — Connect Neutrals

All neutrals (white wires) get tied together.
4-way switches do not use neutrals.

Step 5 — Connect Ground Wires

Every box and switch must be grounded.

💡 4-Way Switch Wiring With Light in the Middle

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When the light is physically between the switches, the wiring changes slightly:

or:

Common rules still apply:

• 4-way switch only handles travelers

• Light always connects to the common screw of the final 3-way

📘 4-Way Switch Wiring Diagram PDF

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If you need, I can generate a downloadable PDF wiring guide for printing or jobsite use.

🔍 How a 4-Way Switch Works (Simple Explanation)

Inside, a 4-way switch cross-connects or straight-connects the traveler wires:

This toggling allows the light to turn ON/OFF from any location.

🛠️ Troubleshooting 4-Way Switch Problems

Common issues include:

1. Light only works from two switches

Cause: 4-way switch wired incorrectly (IN/OUT pairs mixed)

2. Light flickers or won’t turn off

Cause: travelers and common terminals swapped on 3-way switch

3. One switch does nothing

Cause: one traveler wire disconnected

4. Light stuck ON

Cause: wrong COM terminal on 3-way switch

If you want, you can send a photo, and I can identify the wiring for you.

🧵 Wire Colors for 4-Way Circuits

• Black (hot) — LINE or LOAD on 3-way common

• Red/White or Red/Black — travelers

• Bare/Green — ground

• White (neutral) — not used on switches, only passed through

📝 Types of 4-Way Switch Setups

• 3 switches (1× 4-way + 2× 3-way)

• 4 switches (2× 4-way + 2× 3-way)

• 5 switches (3× 4-way + 2× 3-way)

Add as many 4-way switches as needed between the two 3-way switches.

📚 Conclusion

A 4-way switch wiring setup gives full control of lights from three or more locations. By combining:

• Two 3-way switches

• One or more 4-way switches

• Correct traveler wiring

• Neutral/ground connections

you can build a reliable, code-compliant lighting control system.

If you need a PDF diagram, color-coded diagrams, or a custom layout for your home, just let me know—I can generate them instantly.