They are easier to understand than three-way switches. Be sure to connect it to the ground straps of the switches and to all enclosures if they are metal.įour-way switches are used for applications that need more than two switching locations. The same is true of the bare or green equipment-grounding conductor. It is connected (using wire nuts) to white conductors in each enclosure so there is continuous neutral continuity between the power source and the load. The third conductor is white, and it is not connected to either switch. The red and black conductors are called in the trade “travelers.” To inject a bit of humor into an otherwise dry topic, I call them “politicians.” To one terminal of each, the black conductor is connected. A specialized three-conductor cable runs between the two switches. At any given time, one of these wires is energized and the other is not. These are for the two alternate current paths inside the black box, between the two three-way switches. They pass through the enclosures and connect to the load, as does the green or bare equipment-grounding conductor.Īt the other end of each three-way switch body are two terminals. The white wires are not connected to either switch. At the output switch, a single black conductor goes directly to the load. On the input switch, this is for the single black (hot) conductor from the power source such as an entrance panel. Three-way switches have one terminal at one end of the switch body.
One three-way switch is the input for the pair and one is the output.
#3 WAY SWITCH WIRING PLUS#
Schematic showing current flow for a pair of three-way switches plus one four-way switch.
#3 WAY SWITCH WIRING CODE#
It is easier to wire this black box/switch configuration as an in-line configuration as opposed to a switch loop, which requires more wire and is more complex because of the new Code mandate to provide a neutral in every switch box. Two three-way switches necessarily sit some distance apart, but electrically they constitute a single “black box.” Together they function as one conventional single-pole switch whose sole function is to turn on and off the load. Here are a few principles that will make for a correct and efficient installation that will work the first time:
Most home owners and tradesworkers can wire conventional single-pole switches without a problem, but when it comes to three-way switches, many become baffled and end up calling in a professional electrician to sort things out. Three-way switches are also useful for controlling outdoor lighting between two buildings and to control lights in a detached garage from within the main building. If a stairway, hallway or room has two separate entries, three-way switches make sure occupants will not have to cross a room in darkness to switch on the lights.
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