How To Wire A 4-Way Switch System Explained (2022) | Easy DIY Step By Step Tutorial For Beginners!

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On this episode I'm going to show you how to wire a 4-way switch system explained for 2022 updated! This is an easy basic DIY step by step tutorial instructions perfect for beginners! This video will show you the basics of wiring multiple switches for different entrances in your home that controls 1 light fixture. I break it down to the simplest way for you so that you can follow along without getting confused and easy to understand!
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DISCLAIMER:
This video is meant for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only! To better your knowledge on the concepts of electricity, electrical circuitry, entertainment component circuitry and all other wiring methods. Electrical codes in my area may be different from yours so always make sure you follow and stay current with your local code. With different codes around the world constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Fix This House cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulation for a project. DO NOT ATTEMPT ANY WIRING OF ANY KIND if you lack the knowledge and understanding required. Otherwise, personal injury and/or death as well as property damage or loss could occur. Your safety is your own responsibility, including proper use of equipment and safety gear, and determining whether you have adequate skill and experience. If you are a younger person or are inexperienced with electrical devices, ask for help from a parent, teacher or a licensed professional.
WARNING- Electricity is dangerous and can cause personal injury or DEATH as well as other property loss or damage if not used or constructed properly. If you have any doubts whatsoever about performing do-it-yourself electrical work, PLEASE do the smart thing and hire a qualified and licensed electrician to perform the work for you.NEVER WORK WITH LIVE VOLTAGE. Always disconnect the power source before working with electrical circuits.When performing electrical work, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES. Always follow your local electrical code and requirements which are specific to local areas.By utilizing this video and the information given, YOU are expressly holding "FIX THIS HOUSE" HARMLESS FOR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE, PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH, OR ANY OTHER LOSS OR DAMAGE THAT MAY RESULT FROM YOUR ACTIONS. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Fix This House cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Fix This House and all parties associated with it ARE NOT responsible for the use and results of this information by any party, especially those lacking sufficient skill or knowledge to perform these steps safely and ANY HAZARD CREATED IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE USER.
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#4wayswitch #electricalswitch #Circuit

[@catcolbert9044]

Excellent explanation. We need to install a few three-way switches in our house. This makes the process very clear! Thank you. 😊

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊

[@sabanvelovic7013]

@@FixThisHouse like people oooopp

[@arezhik7774]

Yup, started another video where they were wiring a 4-way just to confirm things. They showed a single 4 gang box with 4 switches in already and made it extremely difficult to see anything. This one is A LOT better.

[@redpilllense7125]

Bro!!!! Your videos are some of the BEST out there for us slow learners! I appreciate you so much for how well you articulate, explain and label out the entire process. I have a final on this type of project in my electrical class next week, I feel so much more confident after watching your videos. Just subscribed. Thank you!!!!! 🙏

[@danle2884]

Best explanation of all. Especially about the wiring order. Thank you so, so much.

[@Gosuzilla]

I just wanted to say thank you so much, for clear visual instructions, closeups, and clear explanations on this. You helped me troubleshoot and solve a major issue I had from bad electricians that did crappy work on my house switches.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! So happy you got your issue solved! 👍🏽🙏🏽😊

[@macventurezrn7143]

Appreciate you taking your time explaining things. Even though I was tired and half asleep, you made it more educational than any of the videos I've seen in the past. Now I feel more confident fixing my light switches. Thanks Brotha!

[@remuda97]

I have watched your presentation on how to install 3-way switches in the middle of circuit. I would like to add a third switch to that same circuit. I think I understand the basic principles but I want to be sure. Thank you. Another great training video! Thank you for your expertise and willingness to share.

[@giuseppepandolfo4815]

Just wired a four following your video step by step, fist time doin electrical in my life. Can’t take all the credit my wife was a big help, thank you so much for making it seem so easy.

[@jesseestrada4290]

On the 4 way it doesn't matter if red or black are on the same side, they just need to be one circuit on top and the other on the bottom, same on the 3 ways, first 3way switch power cable on the black scree and the travelers on the other screws, no matter the order, on the last 3way switch make sure the switch leg coming from the light is in the black screw and the travelers on the other screws no matter the order, what matters most is the common screws on the black wires on each side...! Good video man keep up the good work...!

[@netpasya]

I notice on the 3way switches, traveler1s (red) are on the left side and traveler2s (black) are on the right side. However, on the 4way switch, the 2 traveler1s are on the right and the 2 traveler2s are on the left. To keep things consistent, is it possible to always keep traveler1s on the left, and traveler2s on the right on all switches? Someone told me they always put the red traveler wires on top and the black traveler wires on the bottom for consistency.

[@benly6065]

this is actually a very good , clear instructional video

[@TheHockeyfan51]

Great instruction, will use on a current project. Thanks!

[@tylertacy6991]

Thank you!

[@gt-guy4259]

I must say u explain everything very clearly thank you.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support my friend 🙏🏽😊👍🏽

[@sdwaltersumajit2138]

Informative. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@summergilstrap1366]

I love your videos! You explain them so easily and you go back and say it again it helps alot. You explain them with so much compassion!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the feedback Summer! Means a lot! 🙏🏽😊

[@trebbleshooter]

Thanks the labeling with the clear explanation was great.

[@Quetzachapin]

I just found and subscribed to this channel about a few days ago and I really really wish that I had found him a looong time ago. THANK YOU. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽🥰

[@illestofdemall13]

@@FixThisHouse Your loops are too short and some insulation is pinching under the terminal screws of the switches which can cause a bad connection down the road. Too much copper exposed isn't good but also not enough is also not good.

[@nerisalicea4965]

Thank you for a clear illustration. This will make my project much easier.

[@MrMountaincycle]

awesome video footage and great explanation. - thx for sharing

[@pablogonzales3704]

Thanks man was great 👍🏼 I installed my first 4 way light switches

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@jjcampos8604]

Great tutorial, best explanation.

[@edgardoenamorado4293]

lo mejor explicado te agradesco mucho pues ademas de ser tecnico en electricidad tambien hablas un ingles buenisimo pues lo entendi muy bien ,gracias

[@scundoorsup5342]

Excellent video !!

[@michelnahed552]

Thanks for your help. this tutorial was very helpful.

[@1cesaraguilera]

Thank you well explaining

[@marvellstarks2434]

I think I'm gonna make a move up just to practice it so it'll stick in my head for when I need it. But the way you explained it. I already got it now

[@pablogonzales3704]

Nice muy bien compa 👍🏼

[@giuseppepandolfo4815]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@alfredopantaleon8154]

nice work very clear

[@scat9591]

I love your videos, you really describe everything in a very professional manner!!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@anthonymac5252]

As someone in school for this doing it now, this was really helpful

[@MyNamesGeof]

Same

[@patrickkillion4416]

Thank you for explanation it worked perfectly for me at my house

[@bradlozen1463]

I was hoping to see how you packed the wiring into the j-box. I know how but for those that dont know how; they need to know to keep the bare ground wires away from the switch terminals. I would say thsts just as important as learning to wire the 3 & 4 way switches correctly.

[@andrewchristiansen8311]

Another solid video. I'm subbed.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊

[@alexbarrios8313]

very well explained

[@navy9398]

I always wanted to know that. Now I get it. That was very well done. Thank you

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you for the feedback 🙏🏽😊

[@MaMa-qh4dy]

Great job, as usual.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank You so much! 🙏🏽😊

[@pg3180]

Thank u For you r video I’m learn electricity with you

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊

[@Forged_Garage]

Simply the best!!!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thanks bro! 👍🏽😊🙏🏽

[@miguelcarranza184]

Sirrrr! I was afraid of ac, watching your videos made me understand basics, thank you so much for your time doing this to save time and money for us !

[@arth.4196]

Very interesting neutral wire connectors for a DIY'er👍

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽😊

[@hablemos4173]

Very good job I have questions why you put the red cable in the 4 switch in the right side

[@volmyrjean-baptiste682]

Thank you

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for watching! 🙏🏽😊

[@Leeproeun]

Thanks 🙏

[@FixThisHouse]

You are very welcome! 🙏🏽😊

[@user-bl8dj1om1e]

Very good explanation. Thank you

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for watching! 🙏🏽😊

[@everoldbharath5777]

Very good tutorial.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you!! 🙏🏽😊

[@mohamedunisasankoh4383]

nice explanation

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you 🙏🏽!

[@randallcline2052]

Hi, at my last 3-way switch I want to control a light AND ceiling fan on a separate normal two-way switch (instead of just a light as in your video). Do I just need a 3-wire (e.g., 14-3) going to fixture/fan kit or will that work from an ending 3-way switch? Thanks.

[@Kippy7810]

Why didn’t you leave red on left side goin into the 4 switch for consistency?

[@timmcwilliams2891]

Does it matter if the red and black travelers have to be wired to T1 for red and T2 for black on the 3 way switches and the opposite in the 4 way switch?

[@kaishun86]

Can I connect black on travler terminal #1 and red on travler terminal #2 in 3-way switch? (the pair on top side, not the single source on bottom side) Because light is on when I off all 3 switches, i want to light off when I off all 3 switches.

[@davidhummel8707]

Yes. It would just invert the function of the 4-way. You have to imagine the inner workings and see what is being connected to,what when you flip,which switch which way.

[@angelagrant1804]

thanks for the video, do you Wire A 3-Way Switch System?

[@redpilllense7125]

One question; on the four-way switch, you connected the red on the opposite side from the first three way. I noticed you then connected the red and black on the second three-way switch to "match the wiring" from the first three-way. I'm confused as to way you didn't use the say wiring orientation of the red/black wires on the four-way? In other words, why did you not connect the wires the same all across? I hope I explained myself right here 🤔

[@peyo721]

Like that

[@tombrowning6541]

Does the light have to be at the end? Could you have placed it leading off the middle j box?

[@davidxu560]

In your video , the 2 traveler wires are on different sides compared to traveler wires on both 3 way switches. They don’t need to be on the same sides?

[@alanhanstein5472]

Do you have a video on doing with with only 14/2 wire

[@atrian_op4482]

does it matter what traveler goes on what terminal?

[@badboytommy187]

That is very good video footage and good explanation 👍. But I have a question about the middle of the J boxfour way switch ? What will happen I crisscrossed the black and red wire on the traveler switch ? 🤔 by the way I just want you to know your video footage helps me a lot on my house . Thank you very much

[@MyNamesGeof]

As long as the wires from the same sleeve are on the same side it shouldn’t matter

[@brianentz2631]

Can the black and red wires on the 4 way switch go on either side

[@MyNamesGeof]

What is used to connect the neutrals and ground??

[@lukasvilla2657]

There is an input and output on 4 way switch correct? Is it the black or brass?

[@user-bm2yg6zc2i]

Good class, but I have on issue the power comes in to the 4way switch . Had to replace it wired it up the way I found it but now the bottom hallway 3way switch does not work right, if the 4way switch is down the bottom switch will work fine if don't turn the light off on the 4way the bottom will not work anymore// any suggestions all because the power goes to the 4way switch first

[@autopilotmuzik]

My house has it installed without a 14/3 wire. Is it possible to do it with 14/2 wires? Or is the traveler needed

[@juanlandi8142]

Hello may l connect lights with 4 way ,this is for living room, dining room and kitchen please let me know thanks.

[@raypowers3145]

How do I connect 2 lights with 4 switches ? There for my up stairs and down stairs lights .

[@georgemoore6631]

can you put a dimmer switch on it instead of the flip switch ?

[@whadat2000]

Hi, I noticed that you connected the red traveller on the left and black traveller on the right on the 3 way switches but switch them around on the 4 way switch. Would there be a problem if they all were connected the same...red on the left and black on the right?

[@bennyma6751]

No problem

[@davidsmith-vo4ce]

Added new wiring and outlets to old wiring. test of new outlets show open ground.

[@superpac1966]

Great video. I have a four way switch in my home, one of the locations is hidden, and never used. If I wanted to bypass it, and make it a three way switch, would I connect red to red, black to black, white to white, and ground to ground? Or would I connect red to black and black to red? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@davidhummel8707]

Just remove the switch and connect all the same colored wires to each other like the switch wasn’t there. Just make sure that the travelers are connected from each three way correctly

[@ak540i2]

Can you have lights wired in between the switches?

[@davidroddini1512]

That is what I want to know! I have two three way switches at the bottom and top of a flight of stairs. I would like to add a switch by the upstairs bedroom door. But that would put that switch after the light. I am thinking about putting the four way at the top of the stairs between the light and the downstairs three way. But that still puts the upstairs three way after the light. I am not sure how it would work. 🤔

[@TruthLives4444]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@macktheknife1432]

Seeking some advice. I have a set of outdoor lights that can be control at 4 locations in my home. I believe it is a 3-4-4-3 circuit. One day I noticed the lights on and when I attempted to turn off, they would not respond at any location. They will turn off if I stop the switch at what would be the half way point of the toggle switch. I " assume " one of the 4 switches has gone bad. Looking for a method to discover which one of the switches is bad. If you would consider this as the likely problem. Thanks for your feedback.

[@davidhummel8707]

Just check each switch. The 4-ways should have power in the bottom and out the top on each side. Try the switch in both positions and check the outbound screw to the neutral. Make sure you have a solid voltage read in both positions. Which ever switch doesn’t send power out is the guilty party

[@matthewbui86]

hello there. I would like to know on the 4 ways switch. Red should be on the right side which is travel 1 and black should be on the left side which is travel 2. and also the power from the 1 switch goes to the bottom of 4 ways switch and power goes out to the 3 switch goes out from the top of 4 ways switch? From what i have seen you did. left on the right and black on the left on the 4 ways switch? Just wonder thanks

[@surferdude642]

Don't think of left or right side, some 4-ways (decora style) have black screws on one side and brass colored on the other side. For example, on the cable coming from the previous switch the red and black wires will go to the black screws. The cable going to the next switch the red and black wires go to the brass colored screws. The red and black wires are the travelers.

[@tonykillingsworth9247]

Just for clarification you can have up to 32........ 4 way switches on a dedicated circuit from 20 Amp Breaker with 12 GA. Wire !

[@HectorMiguelHernandez]

🤯🤯🤯

[@reiresvivir9629]

Can someone explain when the power goes into 4way box

[@alnarc7756]

Hi, can I connect power outlet to that 4 way switch box? If yes, you please share the wiring diagram?

[@davidhummel8707]

It all depend on how you want that outlet to function. It’s easy enough to connect the ground and neutral to an outlet. But how/when do you want he power to get to the outlet. If you use the red or black on the bottom of the 4-way it will only work when the left switch is in the position to power which ever color wire you used for the hot. If you connect the outlet to the outgoing wires on the top of the 4 way then the 4 way will power the switch. But then it depends on which hot you chose. The left most switch has to be providing power to the traveler you picked: up for black and down for red.

[@ernesthorning4770]

I still don’t understand why people insist on using toggle switches for 3-Way, 4-Way, etc. They’re always in an indeterminate position and all you want to do is invert the current state, whether on or off. A more appropriate switch would be a push button that internally just changes its current state. It would still be electrically wired the same as a 3-Way configuration but it external activation would always be the same. For people that still expect to see a toggle switch, a simple On-Off-On momentary like function could be simulated on a push button switch. That way, you’d always flip up for on and down for off and the internal mechanics would do what the need to do. I’m surprised that this wasn’t a standard convention years ago.

[@krich106]

Because its not needed. Then buttons fail, thats why no breakers have them anymore. I'd rather do motion, voice, or magnet type switch. If we're talking the way it should be. You should just have light and not have to hit a switch.

[@davidhummel8707]

So invent and market it.

[@craigaustin4362]

When you pronounce Klein tools don’t use an E sound use a i sound hope this is helpful

[@robertlawson8572]

Difficult to see why this is called "four way" In the UK we call this two way + intermediate. We used to have "one way" switches, with two terminals, and "two way" switches with three terminals, then the manufacturers gave up on "one way" switches, since a "two way" switch can be used as a "one way" switch, so stockholding and manufacturing were rationalised. We've always had "intermediate" switches (four terminal) for switching hallway lighting at convenient points along a corridor... (or at any level on a multi floor stairway. Now... If we have a switch plate with four switches on it, it's called a four gang switch, and "gang" is German for "way" making a four switch plate a "four way" switch... Amazing that we share a language, use it differently, confusingly... We have "two (or more) gang, two way switching", too...

[@davidhummel8707]

It’s called a three way switch because when you combine two of them you have three way to position them: up/up, down/down, up/down. The “four way” is just the nest logical step. Plus the three way switches have three wire connections: power in/out and two travelers. The 4-way switch has 4 wires on it. It’s connected 4-ways.

[@robertlawson8572]

@@davidhummel8707 @davidhummel8707 6 days ago "It’s called a three way switch because when you combine two of them you have three way to position them: up/up, down/down, up/down. " So that's the logic? If you'll excuse me, with a two way switching arrangement, there are four (4) 2^2 switching conditions... Let's label the switches "a" and "b", the positionings "up" and "down" So- a up, b up, a up, b down, a down, b down, a down, b up. and similarly, with "two way + intermediates, there is a range of 2^n conditions, where "n" is the total number of switches... Basic binary? I can accept that there's different terminology used either side of the Atlantic, just think there's a flaw in your explanation of the underlying logic...

[@stephenmulvihill1328]

It’s KLEIN not KLEEN lol

[@albarrera2757]

Why do all you diy’ers always work with such short wires.

[@johnschnee3934]

We are Saved by Grace Through FAITH NOT WORKS. Salvation is a free gift from GOD given to those all who will believe LORD JESUS CHRIST DIED AS A SALVATION LAMB for our sins by the BLOOD OF LORD JESUS CHRIST HIS BLOOD CLEANSES Our Sins (WHEN YOU BELIEVE IT)777+ (shed HIS BLOOD on the cross) for us

[@davidhummel8707]

Really? I believe in evangelism as much as the next guy. But do you really think anybody read that and was moved? You’re like those people on the subway that shout Bible verses to a captive audience. You make the rest of us look bad. God has already chosen the elect. There’s no need to recruit.

[@mixofall2574]

Why you all copy in pase, same matheds,

[@krich106]

I don't think you're a Journeyman or a Master electrician.

[@FixThisHouse]

🤔

[@krich106]

@@FixThisHouse Well that answers that, I no longer "think".

[@singlefather01]

I went to a total of 7 years for college to study EE. I have no idea what this guy is talking about.

[@Brazda25]

Dude just get to the point wtf is this

[@FixThisHouse]

Use the fast forward button, or this channel is not for the impatient 👍🏽😊