

I know this sounds confusing, but let's see how it is done in the real world if you were to remove the drywall or plaster from your walls and ceilings.ĬLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local electricians who can end your frustration. Where Does the 4-Way Switch Go?Ī 4-way switch must always be in between two 3-way switches. To accomplish this, you must have two 3-way switches and two 4-way switches. For example, the second-floor hallway lights in my own home are controlled at four different locations. You use 4-way switches in situations where you want to control a light or other fixture from more than two locations.
3 WAY SWITCH WITH 4 WIRES PLUS
A 4-way switch has four screws plus the green grounding screw. How is a 4-Way Switch Different from a 3-Way Switch?Ī 3-way switch has three screws plus the green grounding screw. You need to understand this before you graduate to a 3-way switch, much less a 4-way switch! This is what most of the switches in your home look like. You need to really understand how current flows and is interrupted by a simple single-pole switch before you start to tackle a 4-way switch! Single Pole Switch Video Watch the following video to see a simple single-pole switch. The two screws are for the incoming (line) and outgoing (load) power wire and the third screw is for the ground or earth wire. It's got a total of FIVE screws on it! (See photo above.)Ī normal simple single-pole switch that you have to turn on a bedroom, closet or front-porch light only has three screws on it. The first thing you need to know is that the 4-way switch is indeed a very special switch.
3 WAY SWITCH WITH 4 WIRES HOW TO
You need two 3-way switches to make a 4-way switch work.ĬLICK HERE to read how to install a 3-way switch.ĬLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local electricians if you're afraid of getting ZOTTED. This is why I created videos to show how it's done.ĬLICK HERE to watch my video of how to install a 3-way switch. It's easy to get confused how to wire a 4-way or 3-way switch.
3 WAY SWITCH WITH 4 WIRES MOVIE
I liken the 4-way switch, and its first cousin the 3-way switch, to the famous movie Wizard of Oz. There are many people who are flummoxed by the mysterious 4-way, or four-way, switch. Collins, COĭEAR ROBERT: Listen, don't beat yourself up too badly. If you can't help, I will be forced to admit defeat and will call an electrician. If you can teach me how to wire a 4-way switch, I'll be eternally grateful. What's the secret to 4-way switch wiring?ĭo you need a special 4-way electrical switch or a 4-way light switch? At this point, my new wife thinks she married a dunce.

WATCH 3 & 4-way switch videos below for help.a standard single-pole switch with just three Complex switch requiring great skill to install.It's got a total of FIVE screws on it!" 4-Way Switch TIPS "The first thing you need to know is that the 4-way switch is indeed a very special switch. You can discover other tips about 3 and 4-way switches here. 4-way switch - It has four screws plus the green grounding screw.
