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.

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.

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 way Switch Troubleshooting

Generic 4-way and 3-way Switch Diagrams If you need to review what a circuit is or the function of a neutral wire, see Background. But here you see a diagram of the layout of 3-way switch wiring and what goes on inside the switches...

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?

How to Wire a 3 Way Switch

Regardless of what 3-way switch wiring diagram, you’re following, you’ll need to use a 3-wire cable to connect the two 3-way light switches. So what you should see if you have correct 3-wire electrical cable (Romex) is a black (power) white (neutral) and now a 3rd (Red) wire. This is the 3-wire cable which you must have to wire a 3-way ...

How To Wire a 3

Wiring a 3-Way Light Switch. Wiring a 3-way light switch is certainly more complicated than that of the more common single-pole switch, but you can figure it out if you follow our 3-way switch wiring diagram.. With a pair of 3-way switches, either can make or break the connection that completes the circuit to the light.

Wiring a 3

Each 3-way switch in these examples are controlling the power source to the same load. When wiring a 3-way switch circuit, we will be using a 3-wire cable known as romex coming from the source (such as the breaker box). Then a 4-wire cable going between the two 3-way switches and then a 3-wire cable going from the switches to the load.

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.