3 Way and 4 Way Wiring Diagrams with Multiple Lights

Here 3-wire cable runs between L1 and L2, 2-wire cable runs from the last light to SW1, and more 3-wire cable runs from SW1 to the 4 way switch and then to SW2. At the lights the hot source is spliced to the black wire running between lights, it does not connect to the lights.

3 Way & 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram

4-Way Switch Wring Diagram. A 4-way switch is always placed in between two 3-way switches. Watch the 4-Way Switch video below and pay attention. If you understand how to wire a 3-way switch, you'll have no issues with a 4-way switch. You can have an indefinite number of 4-way switches in a circuit. They all must be between the two 3-way switches.

Four

Two cubic inches are required by the National Electrical Code for each #14 wire. See Tables 314.16(A) & (B). I have a diagram for this light switch wiring method on my 3-way switch page. I did not include grounding conductors on the 4-way switch wiring diagrams in order to keep them simple.

4 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

The wiring diagrams on this page make use of one or more 4 way switches located between two 3 way switches to control lights from three or more points. Several diagrams are included here that can be used to map 4 way and 3 way lighting circuits depending on the location of the source in relation to the switches and lights.

How to Wire a 4

The two wiring diagrams above are of a 3-way switch setup and the same basic setup with a 4 way light switch added. While the physical location of the 4 way switch may be anywhere, the electrical location of the switch is always between the two 3 way switches. If additional 4-way switches are needed, they will also go between the 3-way switches.

4

4 Way Switch Wiring 4-Way Switches provide switching from three or more locations. If more than three switches are needed, simply place more 4-way switches between the three way switches. IMPORTANT: 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 ...

Wiring Diagrams for 3

Diagram #1 above, shows the electricity source starting at the left 3-way switch. Wiring Diagrams for 3-Way Switches. 3-way switch diagram #2 above, shows the electricity source starting at the fixture. The white wire of the cable going to the switch is attached to the black line in the fixture box using a wire nut.

3

3-Way Switch Wiring Diagram with LINE and LOAD in the Same Switch Box. In the above diagram the white wire must be re-identified as a hot wire at each switch location. The white wire between switches is not being used as a neutral. An example of three-way switch wiring with the LINE and LOAD in the same 4″ square electrical box.

3 Way Switch Wiring Diagram

Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch! This might seem intimidating, but it does not have to be. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Interested in a 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagram? OPTION #1.

4

A four switch configuration will have two 3-way switches, one on each end and two 4-way switches in the middle. In the diagrams below, the first switch (3-way) common terminal connects to line voltage. The first switch (3-way) travelers (brass color) connect to one pair of the second switch (4-way) travelers (black or brass color).