Wiring Diagrams For 4 Way Switching Of Lights

By | October 20, 2017



Unveiling the Puzzling Mystery of 4 Way Switching Wiring Diagrams



Changing the kinds of lightings in our homes, offices, and other spaces is an undertaking that comes with some mystery. The goal to attain the desired lighting output and striking a balance between the utility and aesthetic values. Understanding the wiring diagrams and the diagrams for the 4 way switch can be intimidating for people who are not familiar or constructive with wiring.



Rather than being deterred by this complex exercise, we wish to provide a practical guide to assist you with the endeavor. Our association with certified electricians, who are apt and experienced in using wiring diagrams helps us understand and present them in a simplified way.



What is a Four Way Switch?



A four-way switch (where up to three switches control the same light) is one of the most difficult electrical gadgets to understand and deploy. The complexity in understanding the switch arises due to its application in many different scenarios, based on the location and orientation of the switch relative to the light.



Apart from the conventional physical outlook of the switch, it also has electronic construction and automation technology embedded into it. A four-way switch looks like an ordinary single-pole switch—a metal U-shaped strap with two terminal screws on either end, plus a toggle on either end. There are four different types of four-way switching circuits which are related to their respective wiring diagrams.



Analyzing the Types of Wiring Diagrams



Let's begin by analyzing the different wiring diagrams for 4 way switching of lights. On the basis of the number of connections leading to two lights we can classify the switch as a:




  • Rapid Make – Break Contact Switches.

  • Non-Polarized Switches.

  • Polarized Switches.

  • Longer Pairs of Switches.



For providing the functionality of a four-way switch, these types are further subcategorised, such as:




  • Two-way make – break contact switches.

  • Four-way non-polarized switches.

  • Four-way polarized switches.

  • Four-way longer pairs of switches.



Each type of switch has its own wiring diagram, associated with it.



An Overview of the Wiring Diagrams



First, let's look at the wiring diagram of the make-break contact switch. This type consists of two make – break contact switches connected in series and each has two terminals. All terminals are connected to a common ground rail at the center of the board. Each terminal is wired to two different circuits. When one switch is in the close position, the circuit gets interrupted, and when the other switch is in the open position, the circuit starts functioning.



The second type of wiring diagram is the non-polarized switch. This switch consists of two neutral terminals and two live terminals which are connected in series and each has two terminals. The left terminal of the first switch and the right terminal of the second switch are connected to the live wires, while the other two terminals are connected to the neutral wires. When both switches are in the open position, the circuit does not get interrupted. The third type of wiring diagram is the polarized switch. This type of switch consists of two live terminals and two neutral terminals which are connected in series and each has two terminals. The live terminals are connected to the live wire and the neutral terminals are connected to the neutral wires.



The fourth type of wiring diagram is the longer pair of switches. This type of wiring consists of two separate and similary wired pairs of switches. The first switch of each pair is wired to the live wire and the other switch of each pair is wired to the neutral wire. When the switches of the pair are in different positions, the circuit remains unbroken and when the switches of the pair are in the same position, the circuit gets interrupted.



Conclusion



To conclude, wiring diagrams for four way switching of lights may appear complex and challenging at first. However one needs to become aware of the fundamentals and types of wiring diagrams and the arrangement of the switches. Once a basic understanding of the components and the arrangement of the circuits has been acquired, then it becomes easy to understand the wiring diagrams and the working of the four-way switch.


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