Learn About 4-Way Switches and How They Work in Your Home (2024)

A 4-way switch controls one fixture (like a light) from three or more different locations. Four-way switches are often used in large rooms or with open floor plans.

Read on to learn about 4-way switches, installation tips, and when to use a 4-way switch.

What Is a 4-Way Switch?

Four-way switches are used to control lighting from three or more locations. Four-way switches are used in combination with 3-way switches.

How a 4-Way Switch Works

When a 4-way switch is bookended by two 3-way switches, it can open a closed electrical pathway or close an open pathway.

A 4-way switch has four terminals that provide two sets of toggle positions.When the switch is in the up position, the current can flow through two terminals. In the down position, the current flows through the other two terminals.

Imagine that a 3-way switch connects traveler wires from that switch to one side of the 4-way switch. The other side is connected to the other 3-way switch. The3-way switchis then connected to a light. When connected properly, a flip of any of the switches will turn on the light.

When to Use a 4-Way Switch

Use 4-way switches to control a device like a light from three different points in a room.

Four-way switches are often used in large rooms that have many door openings. It's not convenient or safe to walk through a dark room to reach a light switch. By using four-way switches, each opening has a switch next to it that controls the room's single light source.

For example, in a living room that has three doors, a 4-way switch at various locations will control the lighting in the room.

3-Way vs. 4-Way Switches

• 3-way switch: A 3-way switch controls a device, usually a light, from up to two different locations. They may be used in hallways, staircases, and any number of rooms like living rooms, or garages.
• 4-way switch: A 4-way switch allows you to control a light from up to three different locations when it is used in conjunction with 3-way switches.

Types of 4-Way Switches

As with other switches, 4-way switches are 15- or 20-amp-rated. All major brands such as Lutron, Leviton, and Legrand produce 4-way switches. The main choice is the switch style: rocker, toggle, or push button.

• Rocker: A rocker light switch has a flat, smooth face that turns on and off by pressing (or rocking) it on the top or the bottom. A rocker light switch can be lighted, for easier viewing and access.
• Toggle switch: A toggle switch has a lever that flips up or down to turn the light on or off. It's a classic, simple light switch that rarely fails.
• Push button: A push-button switch turns on or off when the button is pushed in or out. A popular variation of a push button switch is the rotary-style dimmer dial. This switch turns on and off by pushing the button, but it can also be rotated to increase or decrease the brightness of the lights.
  

Wiring a 4-Way Switch

When wiring a 4-way switch, first find out which terminals go together. Use an ohm meter to test the terminals and the toggle positions, or take a quick look at the manufacturer's instructions, which should outline the pairings.

Many times, 4-way switches will come with two brass-colored terminal screws and two darker-colored terminal screws. A green ground terminal is also on a 4-way switch.

Each set of terminals will connect to the traveler wires from each of the 3-way switches. When connected properly, you'll be able to turn lights on from either of the 3-way switches or the 4-way switch. If you need to switch lighting from more than three locations, simply add additional 4-way switches between the two 3-way switches.