4-Way Switch Wiring Diagrams
Also see:The wiring diagrams on this page make use of 4-way switches in combination with two 3-way switches, to control lights from three or more locations. To control lights from two locations use the 3-way switch diagrams at this link.
The 4-way switches in these diagrams should always be located between the 3-way switches for these circuits to work properly. Some alternate wiring diagrams for different switch configurations appear at the bottom of this page. Also find about 4-way switches and troubleshooting tips below.
This diagram illustrate wiring for a 4-way switch circuit with the electrical source at the light fixture and the switches after. Some alternate wiring schemes where the traveler terminals are on the same side of the 3-way switches, appears lower on this page. As with all 3-way switches, the traveler wires may be reversed on these circuits and they will still work properly in most situations.
This diagram features the source at the first 3-way switch and the light at the end of the circuit. As with all these circuits the 4-way switch is places between the two 3-ways.
This circuit makes use of two 4-way switches between two 3-way switches to control lights from four locations. Multiple 4-way switches can be used to control lights from as many locations as needed.
This diagram illustrates the use of a 3-way dimmer to lower the lights in a 4-way circuit. The dimmer can be used in place of any of the 3-way switches in these circuits. This device can be used in circuits with multiple 4-way switches as well.
The dimmer has a fourth wire that can be connected to one of the traveler wires to allow for dimming the lights once they are on. The other switches in the circuit will turn the lights off and on at the level set by the dimmer. To wire a dimmer in a 3-way circuit see this link.
About 4-Way Switch Circuits
Use one or more 4-way switches between two 3-way switches to control a fixture from three or more locations. A 4-way switch has four terminal screws divided into two matching pairs, the input and the output. The terminal pairs will be different colors and may be labeled. Each pair of screws should be wired to the traveler wires on one of the 3-way switches. The travelers can be wired to either terminal in a pair but don't mix up the pairs or the circuit won't work correctly. Four-way switches must be wired between two 3-way switches as shown in these diagrams.
Modern three-way switches have 3 terminals to carry circuit electricity and one terminal for a ground wire. Older 3-way switches will not have a ground terminal. Of the three circuit terminals on the switch, one is called the common and the other two are known as travelers. The common terminal is usually black and the travelers silver. The ground terminal will usually be green. In any case the common terminal will always be a different color than the traveler terminals to distinquish it. Depending on the manufacturer, the common terminal may be on the opposite side of the switch from the two travelers or the two travelers may be on opposing sides. Included on this page are diagrams for both types of switches.
Troubleshooting 4-way Switches
All these diagrams have been tested in real life circuits but because of variable factors in existing wiring the examples displayed here may not work in every instance. To avoid problems make sure the hot wire from the source is connect to the common on one of the 3-way switches and the hot wire to the fixture is connected to the common terminal on the other switch. If after wiring, you experience problems with the circuit, switching the traveler wires on one of the switches will most likely resolve the issue. To connect these circuits use 14/3 cable between the switches and 14/2 cable to the light fixture in these diagrams. To avoid confusion the white wire should be marked with black electrical tape when splicing it to carry current.
