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3 Way Switch & 4 Way Switch

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to figure out why a 3 way or 4 way light switch system doesn't work. Years ago, I got a severe brain cramp one day trying to hook up two switches. After I consulted some books, it became crystal clear how to do it. Ever since that day, I have memorized the wiring diagram to successfully hook up 3 & 4 way switches.

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How to Wire a 3 Way Switch Video

Multiple Possibilities

The electrical wiring in your house can be installed in several ways. This can cause problems when trying to diagnose a wiring problem with 3 way or 4 way switches. If you decide to tackle this easy problem, it will help you immensely if you buy a continuity tester. This is a simple battery powered device that tells you when a circuit is complete.

Continuity testers are often electronic devices that have a needle gauge or a digital readout. There are always two wires that lead from the tester with metal tips. If you touch the wires together the needle should jump to the end. This shows that the current from the battery is flowing from one wire through the other wire to the gauge. Here is why we need this great tool.

If you goof up the wiring of 3 way or 4 way switches, you will need to determine which wires go where. There are basically two types of wires we are concerned with: the common wires and the travelers. The continuity tester allows us to figure out which wire is which.

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