How To Wire A 4 Way Light
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
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Shannon from www.house-impr... shows you how to wire a 4-way light switch. This is a scenario where you have 3 light switch locations that control a single light fixture (unless you add more to the end).
If you have questions about your home improvement projects, stop by the forum on our website, where Shannon will answer your questions in detail for free.
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Video © 2018 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Thanks a lot, I wasted 1 hour to replace a 4 way switch before watching this video.. truly appreciate
This guy is my go to for how to do something. I'm a plumber but thanks to Shannon I'm Jack of a couple more trades master of one.
Your video was SO HELPFUL!!!! Re-switched a hallway in my dad’s new house and this is exactly the direction we needed. Thank you so much. Fantastic demonstration.
4-Way switches always intimidated me and I had to keep the packaging with the diagram close at hand so as not to foul it up.
Your explanation is so simple and straightforward.
Thank you Shannon.
Hey man thanks for the video, I’m in grade 10 construction and we are doing some house wiring, for our bonus assignment the teacher wants us to use a 4-way switch with 3-way switches to control a light, this vid helped a lot. Thanks again🙏
I watched some computer generated videos and didn’t really grasp what was going on. Your video just helped me wire in my first 4way switch! I think I watched it 20 times or so but finally got it wired up and it works! Thanks!!!
You have to be one of the best people at explaining things.
Have watched quite a few of your videos over time covering various segments of construction… you’ve been a tremendous help… wish could’ve worked directly with you as feel could gain lotta insight and tricks of the trade so to speak… thanx again!
Glad to help
Bought a new house and changed all the switches and my hallway with three switches was my last problem. I have spent weeks after work switching different wires all around and going crazy. Watched this video and it turns out my problem was the third switch. I had the black wire that goes to the light in the wrong spot. Thank you for the well made video and the info. You saved me from having to call an electrician.
yikes. call an electrician before you burn your house down
this is exactly what i need .... one switch at the top of the stairs to the basement... one at one end of the hall at the bottom of the stairs in the basement and one at the other end of the hall ...i love this.... i watch the SHIT out of all your vids ...thank you SO much for your videos. Even though i'm not a certified electrician , i was allready fairly confident, never-the-less, they have helped me ENORMOUSLY, further adding to my confidence ...in any case, for insurance purposes, should there ever be a fire -- i will still have an electrician overlook my work and OK the job, essentially turning me into his unpaid apprentice (35 bucks for half an hour work doesn't seem like much to me if it helps me sleep at night :) ) ... ,thank you again, these vids gave me the added confidence that i was doing it right. the narrative is perfect and the camera is places just right -- you have no idea how happy these vids make me
I want to personally thank you for making this video - I was having so many issues wiring this setup in my home. One of the three switches never worked quite right. With your clear instructions and visuals I was able to get it fixed for good :) tyvm
Great video! Been struggling with a middle switch commanding all other switches. All the wiring was painted, so after identifying the colors, the four-way was improperly wired...super easy fix thanks to your video explaining the functions of each switch. Done and Done! :)
I searched for only your video to help explain this. Well done. Thank you.
You are welcome!
I wish I would have had this info four years ago I really scratched my head doing this for my 6 can lights downstairs. Trial and error until I read about it for 24 hours straight. Great videos man.
I used the old Black and Decker books....follow the diagrams and you can't go wrong.
I can’t thank you enough for this video!!! I’d set up my circuit using another video and messed something up. Couldn’t figure it out based on the original guy’s instructions. Followed you through this video and it works perfectly now! Thank you!!!
Had a 4 way switch that seemed to be more like a main power switch. Watched your video and figured out two wires on said switch were connected wrong. Switched them and everything works as it should!
Thankyou!!! Its 2021 and i looked thru 15 videos and this one helped the most!
Thank you very much. This was a lot of help. You really dumbed it down for me to where I could understand. LOL I really truly appreciate it.
Thank you so much for these videos, I swear your explanations are the only thing getting me through my labs (electrical foundations)
Perfect video, that last switch I was confused about the black screw and you helped! Thank you 🎉
Awesome video, stepped out of electrical and came back so needed a refresher! Your video did the trick
Best DIY channel 👍
Great Video Shannon, I would like to add one thing for noobies out there, when adding 4 way switches to any circuit, they must always be connected in between 3 way switches(as Shannon did here). just figured I'd throw that in don't think he mentioned it in the video. once again thanks Shannon, I watch about all your videos.
Yo a you’re the man! Everything is working now! Thanks
Great setup, great explanation. The best learning video to wire a 4 way switch. I've been so confused until I watch this video. Thank you very much!
Great to hear!
Agreed. Appreciate ya!
Thanks 👍 straight to the point content.
I love the video and channel. I'm pretty dumb though and had no idea what a four way light switch was until the end when you tested it.
Shannon I love at the beginning how it looks like you were laughing!
Excellent and simple way to explain the 4-way.....
awesome.
You have the best videos for DIY, in all sense. Well done videos with all needed explanations. I’d enjoy watching your contributions on a trade that even when regulated, there is always room for improvement, changes due to safety and practices of the trade. A sincere Thank you very much!
You can visualize my house as such: you enter on a half floor and can go up to the living room or down to the basement.
We have a four way swith that controls the entrance ceiling fan and basement landing light. So it's one switch at the entrance (the four way), one upstairs (three way), and one downstairs (three way)
Thank you for all your help.
Excellent explanation!!
Hey man I always enjoy and learn something new from your project videos. I'm currently working on a Innovation on a home. So I'm rewiring and updating a few things the electrical part of the house and I ran into this situation. Okay on circuit number 5 which I have labeled after tracing and locating all the different electrical outlets that function with each and every breaker. Okay so back to my dilemma on Breaker number 5 I apparently have two pairs of 3-way switches one operates the hallway and another one of kitchen dining room area. As part of the remodeling that is going on I went ahead and added another pair making this three pairs of 3-way switches I'm breaker number 5. I added this third pair of 3-way switches on my garage. I believe I did not use the main line source of power to feed these new circuit. I believe I made the mistake by just legging out or branching out from an existing light circuitry because everything will stay on for a few minutes and then everything will just die and my breaker does not trip it just I don't know what's going on so if you have any feedback on this greatly appreciated and also if you could answer my question as far as if it's too many pairs of 3-way switches on one breaker or am I find adding 3in I just don't have it wired up correctly it'll be so awesome if you can do a video like that or even just illustrate a diet a wiring diagram illustrating the three sets of 3-way switches from one breaker. Thank you so much is the first time I ever commented on any of these videos. I'm certified to run residential wiring only I'm not license but I really enjoyed this field I work thanks again and God bless you!
Well the amount of lights you can have on a circuit depends on the total draw everything on that circuit has. Typically a 15 amp breaker can be loaded to a maximum of 80%, so 12amps, even though technically the newer LED lighting has a much smaller amperage draw most areas still restrict you to 12 lights per circuit. . The amount of switches has no effect on the circuit. So basically count your actually total lights on all the branches on that breaker circuit.
Please copy and past your question to my forum, we can discuss the wiring issue you have from there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Thanks Shannon, awesome video
Oh my God, thank you!!!! I have been looking at multiple diagrams, manufacturer instructions, videos, etc. For literally the past 3 days, and this just saved me! No one else showed those switches, the same ones I'm using. Do you have a donate page, I'd like to at least buy you a cup of coffee or a beer!
LOL, we have a PayPal link here for straight donations. thanks in advance! www.patreon.com/HouseImprovements
Clear, Concise, Helpful. Thanks!
Even I don't speak English I understood you good explanation
Thank you for sharing your noledge is very clear very helpful
Thats is a perfect illustration. Thank you very much. Huge help!
Thank you!!! You helped me a lot.
تشکر از شما از شما تشکر
فوق العاده عالی است
کامل کامل
حرفه ای حرفه ای
کامل کامل
جامع جامع
قوی قوی
بیان و سخنان شما بسیار زیبا و رسا است.
با احترام
Worked perfectly
Thanks for the straight forward video and awesome example board
Thank you!!!
You are a genius
Thanks so much, I always have a hard time remembering which way it goes,
Thank you very much, it was very helpful and easy understand.
Outstanding sir. and thank you
Thanks 👍
Great video, thanks!
Thank you very much ! very very easy way you explain sir
Can you possibly do a video on removing the 4way and leaving it with just the 3 ways
great video you made that very easy to understand
Good refresher, thanks!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
Thank you.
Very well explained thanks 👍🏻
Good video did a great job explaining everything
Thank you very much it does help
Great video Shannon! Thank you so much!
Thank you
I replaced all the outlets and switches in my house some years back. When I replaced the three switches for the hallway, I followed the directions for a three-way setup. Wrong. Now I'm ready to go back and do it correctly with a four-way setup.
Hey there i have an issue using a dimmer in not sure if you or someone else has had any issue with this as well. So my issue is i have a 3way - 4way - 3way switch combo the first switch is a dimmer and also has the power feed and the pot light leg. I’ve hooked them up correctly (by testing with standard 3/4way switches) however if i add one master dimmer on the first 3way is only works intermittently and sometimes just stays completely off. Im wondering if theres a better way to do this or is it something that just cant be controlled by a dimmer
post your question in our forum and we can help from there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Thanks for the help!
Can take a separate branch from the last 3 way switch
Nice. Make sure you pigtail all connections nex time
Awesome. This helps a lot.
We have an issue, where there’s 3 switches for one light in the kitchen..then off to the side in the breakfast nook area there’s a fan that is pigtailed onto one of the switches…problem is if one of the light switches is turned “off” nothing works..
nice and thanks dear
Always good content. Thanks!
Nice explanation,Thank you.
The electrician who worked on our house 10 years ago really worked us over. He repurposed the common wire in the 3 way switches to the traveling wire rather than using the more expensive Romex for that purpose with 4 wires. All the switches with no common wire where at the center of the house . The ones that still had a common wire in the box were at the remote areas of the house. When I installed smart switches this was a major problem since the the smart master switch that talks requires a common wire to talk to the hub. They were far from the hub at the center of the house and got a poor signal. Dont let any electrician do this to you to save a couple bucks.
That was very common practice up until only a few years ago. No neutrals were required at switches by code.
Awesome you are the man !!
Hello there, I really enjoyed watching your tutorial. I apologize in advance english is not my first language. I have a question can I feed a bathroom vent with a light plus a pot light Feeding from a 20 Amp GFI plug that is also is in my Bathroom already serving a 20 Amp plug on my kitchen? Your feed back would be very helpful thanks!
We can help you in my forum if you copy and paste your question there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
It would look cleaner if you could use the same color for the travelers and switched leg. Is there a reason to use only black and red this way?
Great video 👌👍👏👏👏
Is there a reason the four way switch is in the middle?
Hello, It's Eileen again. I have a question.. I had a breaker trip and found that it was because the ground wire was touching the black screw in the box. Why would a ground wire cause this. I know a whole lot about the how of electricity but I don't know the why. I have wired 3 entire houses including the panel and outside wires and have passed many inspections. However, I didn't think there was any electricity in or going through the ground wire. Help me to understand this. I will continue to buy houses and do a lot more electricity and want more understanding. Thanks in advance.
I installed it exactly as you explained and that switch does work the only problem is now the other two switches do nothing. Help !!!
I seen you commented 3 months ago but on the 4 way switch you should have an x pattern. Black upper left screw and bottom right. Red bottom left to upper rigbt screw
Or ypu could do it the other way
So to be clear, you used 14/3 wire from 3way switch to 4way switch, and four way switch to 3way switch and the 14/2 wire from 3way switch to the light?
Correct
Correct
What if you add a dimmer to one of those 3ways.... Does the rest of the wiring stay the same??
yes it is fine.
im an aprentice...not sure which side of the switch goes black & which side goes red 🤔
Can you install an occupancy sensor in place of one of the switches?
yes
I went through the comments and didn't see any other woman besides me asking a question so I'll be the first. At the very end of your video you said if you want to ad more lights just do your pigtale and take it to the next light. Why do you have to do a pigtale if there's two sets of both brass and silver screws on the light. I'm going to do my wiring tomorrow so I wish I knew the answer. Since both screws for both of the brass and silver are connected by the metal plate they both sit it in can't I just run a white on the other silver screw and over to the next light? And same with the black?
The reason for a pig tail is that is something at the light socket goes bad and you have no pigtail the lights further down the line may not work. I pig tail makes the power bypass each fixture and continue down the circuit.
@@HouseImprovements Thanks for your reply. I did the wiring and it worked out perfect. Thanks for this video. I've done one 3 way switch before but it still wasn't clear on how to do it again, but after watching your video it is so crystal clear on how to do it I completely understand it now and could do it over and over.
I want to replace one of the three ways with a three way smart dimmer. Should I install it in the box with the incoming hot line from the panel?
In most cases it should not matter which one you change out. Many smart dimmers (maybe even all) require a neutral wire , so be sure if yours needs that ,you have one in the box that you are installing in.
Watch your Vedic all the time very nice .one question can you teach me how to wire different four way switch ,the light in the middle
We can help you on the forumwww.house-improvements.com/forums/
Thanks a lot for video
What happens when each box has a 12/2 wire
Shannon...Can power originate at the 4 way switch and still work properly???/
Ty
Can you install a dimmer on a 4-way LED spot light circuit?
yes in most cases you can replace any of the three way switches in the circuit with a three way dimmer.If you have more questions please use my forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
I completed my wiring as described in this video, everthing works. I now want to add a porch light circut/switch off of one of the four way switches. Can this be done without the circut being interupted by the 4-way switch? Thanks.
Yes , if you are wired the way I have it you will have a neutral and constant power wire at every box.
@@HouseImprovements Yes, wired it the way you have it, and all four switches operate the room lights. But when I add the new switch for the porch light, off of one of the 4-way switches, using either black or red to power the new switch, it works only until a certain switch in the 4 way circut is turned on or off. It seems the only way to make the porch light switch constant would be to supply it with both the red and black. Not sure how this is done....
Very cool great video👍
I have a 4-way incandescent BR65 lighting switches with a dimmer now. I would like to convert to 90 watt equivalent LED lights. I do not know if the old dimmer will work with LED lights. Do I need to change out the dimmer? I have seen 3-way LED dimmers. Do I need to find a 4-way LED dimmer?
Hi...My problem is this...How do I correctly wire a mechanical Tork 1101B Timer into an existing 3 way light switch for my outdoor lights that's within a 3 gang box where the same feed supplies power to my indoor basement lights too? I did mount the timer right next to the panel, so it's 1st in line....As it's wired now, the timer is controlling the outdoor lights AND basement lights, please help as I've got to get those indoor basement lights off of that timer. Thanks.
You must have it wired in ahead of both switches and you only want it worked in ahead of the three way switch. Come to the forum we can have a look at this easier there.
So if I'm running a 5way circuit following this video would I add another 4way switch before the light sockets? Or would I go 3way- 4way- 4way -3way - light
wow, actually I'm not entirely sure.
The second one you mentioned is correct. 4-ways always go between the 3-ways.
What if I wanted install a dimmer switch, on which switch would I put it on, the 4 way switch, or on one of the 3 way switches?
Depends if you have a 3 way dimmer or 4 way dimmer switch.
I will have a 4 way setup, which switch will be the MAIN controller to dim these lights? OR, can i put a dimmer in any part of the 4 way circuit? OR, can any one of these switches be the controller dimmer?
Well done
Is there ever an occasion where you would not have a 3 core wire going between the 4 way switch and the first 3 way switch?
no