Episode 11 - SCHEMATICS How 3way and 4way Switches Work

00:00 Intro
01:21 How a 3-way switch works
04:48 How a 4-way switch works
11:00 Outro

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#electrician #electrical #electricity

This episode goes further in depth on how 3-way and 4-way switches work. This is for those visual learners out there that need the logic drawn out so they can see the whole circuit in front of them.

This ties in really well with the other 3-way and 4 way videos I've done. I still talk about the difference between the hot and leg side in a 3way and 4way. I talk about how the travelers must be run, as well as how the insides of the devices work, and how current will flow through the switches.

[davidadame]

I just had a huge "AHA" moment. loving these drawing videos!

[rodneysmith]

Simply amazing! I am 72 years old and have "some" electrical knowledge, I have always done my own electrical wiring and troubleshooting. However, I have never understood 3-way and 4-way switches, but after watching both your physical wiring and schematic description videos, I finally understand them and I will no longer avoid the topic or task of installing and wiring these devices. Simply amazing!

[catfishcave]

Your "off topic" are informational!!! As someone else said, I had an "AHA" moment too.

[ChewyFrog]

This is the best and most understandable video on 3-way and 4-way switching on youtube.

[nobody_special]

Just realized this is how my light switches in my hallway work. Mind is blown. Thanks bro😀

[fexking]

I just love the way you simplify these concepts and make them not seem like rocket science. I've always had a hard time understanding this but you just gave me my "EUREKA!" moment. I appreciate all that you do!

[RiverHayes]

Your explanation was clearer than other videos I've watched. Thanks for your time.

[odisolivero]

Best video about the subjects; straight forward and concise. Just what I was looking for. Thank-you!!!

[MichaelMaga-pr]

I just want to thank you for your videos. I'm about to be a apprentice and your videos have helped me wrap my head around all of this wizardry 😂. Thank so much for taking your time and making these videos to spread your knowledge. I really appreciate it.

[lukejackson]

First time I've fully understood 3 and 4-way switches. Thank you, subscribed

[Dennis-cywv]

Great job Dustin. I've been wiring for years, but I'd never be able to explain it as well, or as thorough, as you do. I found your videos to be so interesting that I actually watched them all night last night. If you and Electrician U had been around 35 years ago, I wouldn't have had to go to electrical school. Have a great evening.

[hg.]

Yes - these are very helpful. Now I can go back to your wiring videos and not get lost.
Thanks!

[jeremylayton]

Perfect explanation and demo. I am a 3rd year apprentice in Lafayette, IN. I have had 2 different journeyman attempt to explain this exact thing while we were up in an attic wiring them and neither time did I come away feeling confident in myself installing them by myself in the future, and even through 3 years of ABC electrical school I can honestly say that I learn more practical application knowledge from watching your videos than from 3 hours each week there. I have a confession to make; Last week I skipped class and watched your videos w my mini Doxie Ziggy Lee on my lap for like 2 hours. Ur single handedly responsible for giving me the “why” I need to understand mentally how these systems work that I am installing and servicing and the confidence I have been starving both for in my career. So all that was so you understand how much I feel indebted to you for ur generosity w ur wisdom of our field that you share w us in your library of videos. Thank you a million times thank you from me and all your sparky brothers you are helping that you don’t get to see benefit and grow directly because of you! Ur my guy n if I ever cross paths w you I got your drinks homie 🍻

[kassgraham]

Man thanks so much for your time and effort in doing these videos! I really have been learning a lot and appreciate you!

[OpticalLimit]

Hey Destin, I recently came across your channel and I really like your videos and think you do a great job of breaking things down. I know this video was posted a long time ago, but I have some critique on the way the 4 way switch works internally since I don't see any corrections in the description or pinned in the comments.

The way I understand it, the switch operates by either connecting the terminals diagonally (as shown), or when switched, the terminals will be connected vertically based on how you've drawn it. Another way to put it is, if the switch is in one configuration, the top left terminal will connect to the bottom right, and the top right will connect to the bottom left. In the other configuration, the top left terminal will connect to the bottom left terminal, and the top right terminal will connect to the bottom right terminal.

Other than that, keep up the great work!

[TheShredMethod]

Hey man, I'm getting heaps out of this video series. I'm learning all this stuff before I even start my pre-trade course next year. Thanks for all the good videos man! Jordan - New Zealand

[rjlinnovations]

Excellent video tutorials. It’s easy to follow especially the input and output of the 4-way switch. Perfect, I have the 4-way switch with level input and output.

[dwaynephillips]

I’m almost 45, worked on/ran/owned our family’s dairy farm ever since I could walk. Tired of it and going to trade school in September to take an electrical program. I’ve been helping an electrician friend of mine over the winter here and there running wire, helping install air to air heat pumps and so on. Love the variety of work and constant learning this trade involves. These videos are incredibly helpful and easy to understand what your teaching. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach in a manner that connects with everyday people. Dwayne Phillips PEI Canada

[billm]

Southwest Missouri here, I agree with the other comments on here that that is a very simplified and understandable way of showing how they work

[viksrajan]

Excellent explanation. Almost every video on YouTube says the black screw is always HOT. After trying to swap a switch and not have luck came across your video. In the first 3 min I figured out what I was doing wrong. Keep up the excellent work.