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You use 4-way switches in situations where you want to control a light or other fixture from more than two locations. For example, the second-floor hallway lights in my own home are controlled at four different locations. To accomplish this, you must have two 3-way switches and two 4-way switches.
What is the purpose of a 4 way switch?
4-Way Switches Four-way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations. Four-way switches are used in combination with 3-way switches. There are four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions on a 4-way switch.
Can I use a 4 way switch as a 3 way?
3 Answers. Sure, a 4-way is essentially two 3-ways in one device. Usually a 4 way switch has 2 (IN) screws and 2 (OUT) screws. Using one of the (IN) terminals is the same as the common terminal on a 3 way.
What is the difference between 3 way and 4 way switch?
A three-way switch has three terminals; a four-way has four. These control a light from two or three switch locations, such as at the top and bottom of a stairwell, at either end of a hallway, or in a large room with multiple entrances. You can usually replace any single-pole switch with a dimmer.
When should you use a 3 way switch?
Three-way switches are commonly used to control a light fixture from two different locations. For example, a long hallway or stairway might use a pair of three-way switches at each end so that lights can be turned on when approaching one end of the hall or stairway, then shut off from the other end.
Does a 4-way switch have to be in the middle?
No. The switches need to be wired to each other in the circuit between the power source (“hot” wire) and the fixture(s).
Can you use 4-way switch single pole?
There are two different types of switches: the single pole and the double pole switch. Double pole light switches, also known as a four-way switch, are two single pole switches put together. It is easy to wire a double pole switch to work as a single pole switch because only one side is used instead of both.
How many switches can you put on a 3 way switch?
3-way switches are used to control lights with two switches. These switches do not have an on/off position like single pole switches.
Do they make 4 way dimmer switches?
Lutron CA-4PS-WH Diva 15 A 4-Way Switch, White.
Do both switches need to be 3 way?
It is not necessary to replace both 3-way switches with smart switches. You can use a standard 3-way switch for one of them, BUT there is a caveat. The SMART 3-way switch MUST be the MAIN SWITCH; i.e., the one that connects to the line/live wire from the fuse/breaker box.
What is the difference between a double pole switch and a 4 way switch?
The four-way switch looks similar to a double-pole switch but without markings. It has four terminals plus a ground terminal. Two of the four terminals are usually brass-colored, and the other two are dark. There is no “COM” or “common” terminal, as is found on a three-way switch.
Can I use a 3-way switch for a single pole?
In order for a 3-way switch to function as a single pole, the wires need to be connected to the common and one of the traveler terminals. It will not work if the wires are connected to the two traveler terminals. 3-way switches can be converted to single pole in several configurations.
What is the black screw on a 3-way switch?
The black screw has the black (common) wire that runs up to the light through the yellow cable. The two grounds are connected together and then to the green ground screw on the switch. To summarize, the black screw gets either the wire from the electrical panel or the wire going to the light.
When should you use a 2 way switch?
You would use a two way light switch when you have two switches controlling one light, for instance in a hallway, where you have a switch at both ends of the hallway that controls the hallway light. You are able to switch the light on and off from either end of the hallway.
Can you run power to a 4-way switch?
Four-way switches are used to control power to a light from three or more different locations. You must purchase switches labeled as 4-way switches rather than 3-way or normal light switches. 4-way switches can be quickly identified by the 4 screw terminals (in addition to the green/gnd screw terminal).
Can I pull power from a 4-way switch?
4-way switch circuits are designed to toggle power to the load ON or OFF regardless of what switch is flipped and which direction it’s flipped in. No, power must come in on one end or the other of the 3 way switch — 4 way switch — 3 way switch string.
How many wires are connected to a 4-way switch?
Make sure that the circuit is dead before continuing or touching any bare wire. There are four wires that are terminated (fastened to) a 4-way switch, plus the green or bare ground wire. In nearly every case, these wires will enter the wall box in 2 separate cables.
What color wire goes to the black screw on a 4-way switch?
The white wire from the power source will attach to the light’s white wire. The light’s black wire should be attached to the black wire running to the first switch. At the switch the white wire (hot) coming from the light, will be connected to the dark colored screw.
