How to wire a 4 way Intermediate switch circuit.

Wiring a 4 way light circuit. On this one I have 4 locations from which you can control one light. I did use scrap wire so you will see #12 & #14 wire mixed together. This is not wired to code but only a mock up. Make sure you always use the same size wire in your circuit. #12 on a 20 amp circuit and #14 on a 15 amp circuit.

[andybrooke]

You do offer the most clear cut explanation I have found anywhere, thanks

[TimothyJamesDean]

Ok - I did it. I looked at a lot of complicated explanations that lost me, before I saw yours on video. I turned off the breaker switch at the box, wired the new 4-way switch your way (red on one side, black on the other) - and VOILA! It worked. Doesn't matter which black wire is top or bottom, same for the reds - so long as the 2 x red wires are on one side of the swithc, 2 x blacks on the other. Each of the 3 switches now turns on and off the light, independently. THANKS!

[dirtydurden]

Gerald Clay you are a great guy for posting this. I am not well versed in wiring but willing to give it a go and this is boosting my confidence through the roof. Thanks!
PS The wires are not hooked up to any power source so there is zero chance of being electrocuted as I play around.

[kyclay]

A 3/way switch will control a light from 2 locations. If you want to control a light from 3 or more locations then you will have a 3/way on the power end of the circuit and another 3/way on the light end of the circuit, In the middle you will need 4/way switches. You can control the light from as many locations as you want as long as you keep adding 4/way switches in middle of the circuit. More than 2 locations and you need to add 4/way switches. The video describes exactly how this is done.

[TimothyJamesDean]

Thanks for this: I have a hall light that has 3 switches (2 x 3-ways at either end, and a 4-way in the middle). The 4-way has always been a problem - crackles when used. It was wired red on one side, red on the other (in and out); same with black. 1 in, 1 out. It turns off the light IF it on, but then, neither other switch can turn it on. I'm going to try it your way - both red on one side (both in) and both black on the other (both out). Correct??

[kyclay]

Yes, normally you should unplug the circuit. But in this instance I was using a plastic pen, which is perfectly safe as it does not conduct electricity. This is for demonstration purposes only.

[chrisbabst]

shouldn't you unplug the circuit before you go poking around in the box with stuff...