Help With 4 Way Switch Wiring

How to Wire a 4 Way Switch – Here are some fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. You will notice that the electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.

Essential 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

[ad#block] Electrical Question: I tried to wire a four way switch with the power coming though the fixture. I actually had it coming through 2 fixtures. No matter what I did it wouldn’t work, lights were dim. If I disconnected the 2nd light (fixture) it was fine. In the end I connected the power through the last switch box where I had another circuit. My question is, how can a 4 way switch be wired with the power coming through 2 fixtures?

Thanks,
Peter

This electrical wiring question came from: Peter, a Homeowner from Rockaway, NJ
Additional Comments: Very helpful

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your home electrical repair question Peter.

Easy to Understand 4 Way Switch Wiring Diagrams

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with tools.
Precaution: Identify the light circuit, turn it OFF and  Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Peter, the following links will assist you with your 4 way switch wiring.

4 Way Switch Wiring

How to Wire a 4 Way Switch
Here are some fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations. You will notice that the electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.
The Following  will assist you with your Four Way Light Switch Wiring:

Electrical Wire for the Home

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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