Four way switches are used. Starting with safety and understanding 1.

Sophos Bridge Interface And Segregating Traffic Inside The
Inside a 4 way switch. Turn off electric power. In the diagrams below the first switch 3 way common terminal connects to line voltage. These are used in combinations of two. Another widely used switch is the three way switch. A similar page for 3 way switch circuits. A 4 way switch has two positions.
Four way switches accomplish the same thing as if someone ran to one of the three way switches and flipped it. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. 4way switches operate virtually the same way by offering 2 paths for current to travel however a 4way switch. A four way switch has the effect of reconnecting the two wires running between two thee way switches. 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations. How a 4 way switch works switches to control lighting.
If more than three switches are needed simply place more 4 way switches between the three way switches. A 4 way switch wiring diagram is the clearest and easiest way to wire that pesky 4 way switch. If the device is still. Return to location you plan to wire to verify that there is no electric flow to that device. In position two the switch cross connects the contacts on the left with the contacts on the right in an x connection. Use this if you began repairing and replacing a 4 way switch circuit and ran into problems.
As you will see most 4 way switch wiring is placed between the wiring of two 3 way switches therefore a 4way switch is installed with two 3way switches. Turn on the light or device being controlled by the 3 way switches if you already have them. If the switch is flipped into a different position current will take a separate path. My 4 way switches dont work. My 3 way switches dont work. To find out which.
Four way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations. I have a few of the most common ways in wiring a 4 way switch to help you with your basic home wiring projects. Conventional 4 way switch wiring. In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect. Start here for practical circuits with different arrangments of switches and lights including proper color codes. A four switch configuration will have two 3 way switches one on each end and two 4 way switches in the middle.
Back to 3 way and 4 way light switches.