Understanding 4 Way Switch Wiring

How Do You Wire 4-Way Switches? Wiring for three switch controlled locations it is necessary to install two 3-way switches.

Wiring 4-Way Switches
[ad#block]Electrical Question: How Do You Wire 4-Way Switches?

I have a switch system for a ceiling light fixture controlled from 3 wall switches.

Here is the Problem:

I have a Double Pole; Double Throw; (DP/DT) switch that would not light the fixture at the same time I could light the fixture from 2nd switch. Then the 2nd switch also stopped working. I replaced the DP/DT switch (same terminals used) the fixture would not light from any of the 3 switches. With my volt meter checked the DP/DT switch and power in and out is now available. I replaced the other 2 switches ( same terminals used ) also replaced the lamp and no change- the fixture will not light; and also no voltage at other 2 switches or at fixture.

This electrical question came from: Al, a Homeowner from Mount Vernon, Washington
Additional Comments: Easy to submit an electrical problem!

Dave The Electrician’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Al.

Understanding 4-Way Switching

Application: Wiring a 4-Way Light Switch.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Power Tools for installing electrical wiring, and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience and ability to work with hand and power tools.
Precaution: Identify the lighting circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional 3-way or 4-way switch wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.

Wiring for 4-Way Switch Control From Three Locations

4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations.

• A 4-way switch is not the same as a DP/DT or Double Pole, Double Throw switch.
• Simply replace the DP/DT switch with a 4-way light switch and your problem will be solved, as long as the other wiring is correct.
• When wiring for three switch controlled locations it is necessary to install two 3-way switches and one 4-way switch which is best located between the two 3-way switches.

More about Wiring 4-Way and 3-Way Switches

• Lighting For The Home
• Light Switch Wiring
• Wiring Diagrams
• For more information about 4 Way Switch Wiring
• 4 Way Switch Wiring

• 4 Way Switch Wiring
• Fully explained 4 way switch diagrams. 4-way switches are a convenient way to operate lighting fixtures from three or more locations.
• The electrical wiring adds additional wiring to the same principles of 3-way switching.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: 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 How to 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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