One ground and 4 circuit terminals divided into two matching pairs called travelers. Four way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations.
4 Way Switches Electrical 101
4 way switch terminals. There should be continuity between the first black terminal and only one of the brass terminals. To find out which. An update in the 2020 national electrical code requires that all ceiling light electrical boxes where a ceiling fan could possibly be installed must be rated for ceiling fan support. A 4 way switch must be wired between two 3 way switches as shown in the diagrams on this page. Four way switches are used. The mechanics of this switch are simple in that they either switch the travellers straight through or criss cross them.
A 4 way switch has four terminals do not confuse with and purchase a 2 pole switch by mistake. One 3 way switch must have the circuit power supply ungrounded conductor aka hot attached to its common screw and the at the other end of the switch circuit another 3 way switch must have the switched fixture feed ungrounded conductor aka hot attached to its common screw. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle. The 4 way terminals are labeled in and out two of each. All four terminals are always brass in color.
A 4 way switch is a double pole double throw dpdt switch. The four terminals are usually brass colored. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. How a 4 way switch works switches to control lighting. A 4 way switch has five terminals. See article 31427 c.
The four way switch looks similar to a double pole switch except it has no onoff markings. The switch can be used to control the electricity supplying lights from three locations. It has 4 terminals or poles and consists of two 3 way switches that are modified. Two terminalpoles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. There is no com or common terminal as is found on a three way switch. Another widely used switch is the three way switch.
Rear of an old four way switch with copper screw terminals on one side and brass screw terminals on the other side. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to line voltage. With any 4 way switch circuit a 3 way switch must start and end it you may have as many 4 way switches between 3 way switch 1st and 3 way switch last. Using a continuity tester on the 4 way switches check continuity between one of the black terminals and each of the brass colored terminals. These are used in combinations of two. Each pair of traveler terminals should be wired to the traveler wires from one of the 3 way switches in the circuit.
A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles. It has four terminals plus a ground terminal.
Gallery of 4 Way Switch Terminals
