Exemplary Four Way Electrical Switch

Four way switches are used in combination with three way switches.

Four way electrical switch. 4 way switches have four terminals each with two pairs of travelers one set usually black and one set usually brass color. When the switch is operated current will either travel straight through or crisscross. The two 4 ways are located between the two 3 ways and the traveler wires run from sw1 to t1 on the first 4 way.

A 4 way switch has four terminals do not confuse with and purchase a 2 pole switch by mistake. Many times four way switches will. In the first position the contacts are connected straight through so that the switch has no effect.

Four way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations. Whether on is up or down is determined by the positions of the other switches at that moment. There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a four way switch.

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. The 4 way is used when you want to control the light or lights from two or more locations. The 4 way terminals are labeled in and out two of each.

Study the 4 way switch and the manufacturer s directions. Slide your mouse over the image to see the switch change state if you have javascript enabled in your browser. A 4 way switch has 4 terminals or poles.

For more than two switches one or more 4 way switches are added between the 3 way switches. Two terminal poles are labeled in and two are labeled out pairs of wires called travelers will connect to each side. 4 way switch wiring 4 way switches provide switching from three or more locations.