Typical 4 way switch wiring nm cable in the 1st diagram below a 2 wire nm cable supplies power from the panel to the first switch box. The black line wire connects to the common terminal of the first 3 way switch.

3 Way Switch Troubleshooting Diy
4 way switch diagram. 4 way switch wring diagram. With 4 way switches you must read the manufacturers instructions or wiring diagram. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit. Power from light fixture to light switch. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. Some 4 way switches may have the in and out pairs opposite each other rather than top and bottom.
Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wirenut. To view it at full size click on the diagram.
This diagram is a thumbnail. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to.
This 4 way switch diagram 1 shows the power source starting at the left 3 way switch. Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. For complete instructions on wiring a basic 4 way switch see our wiring a 4 way switch article. It is a different color screw from the other two screw terminals.
The wiring connections on 4 way switches varies between manufacturers. This 4 way switch diagram 2 shows the power source starting at the fixture. My 3 way switches dont work. They all must be between the two 3 way switches. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. My 4 way switches dont work.
Click here to access note. Do you need a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems. A 3 wire nm connects the traveler terminals of the first 3 way switch and the first 4 way switch. A 4 way switch has five terminals. Conventional 4 way switch wiring.
A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle. Sometimes there is only a switch wiring diagram printed on the inside of the 4 way switch package box. Attach the black and whiteblue traveler wires entering the 4 way switch box to the in terminals often the top terminals on the 4 way switch black on the left top pole and whiteblue on the right top pole.