Switches are specified by number of poles and number of ways with or without off position. Trace your finger over the wires as shown on the screen and you can see this more clearly.
Identify Correct Screw 4 Way Electrical Wiring Done Right
Difference between 3 way and 4 way switch. If you understand how to wire a 3 way switch youll have no issues with a 4 way switch. A dimmer switch controls a lights intensity. The primary difference between a 3 and 4 way switch is the number of locations from which a light load can be controlled. I will show how to wire 3 switches however you can add as many 4 way switches to the circuit as you need or want. A four way has four. This one minute animated tutorial is my clearest presentation of 3 and 4 way switches in action.
A three way switch has three terminals. For 4 way switch wiring you will need two 3 way switches one at each end and then as many 4 way switches as you want in between. These control a light from two or three switch locations such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell at either end of a hallway or in a large room with multiple entrances. There is a pathway for the electricity through the four way switch but that pathway ends at one of the three way switches. In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect. For example single pole 3 way with off double pole change over two pole 4 way without off two pole 6 position 5 way one position is off.
A 4 way switch is always placed in between two 3 way switches. Several example circuits using two switches to control a light. Any number of four way switches may be added between two three way switches. A 4 way switch is used when you need 3 or more switched to control the same fixture. A 4 way switch has two positions. Home electric wiring can be achieved using a tester to find the wires you want the travelers versus the commons.
4 way switches an animation. You can usually replace any single pole switch with a dimmer. You can have an indefinite number of 4 way switches in a circuit. For example with a 3 way switch such as the tm873w one light load could be controlled from up to two different locations. Watch the 4 way switch video below and pay attention. Some have the light between the switches while some have the light at the end.
Controlling a light with three or more switches for more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added between the 3 way switches. A 3 way switch and a 4 way switch can be confusing. This makes things clear for the answer 3 way and 4 way mean the switch can connect its pole in 3 or 4 different positions with or without off position this needs to be specified. Be sure to turn the power off before you start.
Gallery of Difference Between 3 Way And 4 Way Switch
