Shannon, you have a real talent for explaining technical things in common sense terms that are easy to follow and understand. Thanks for all you've taught me over the years!
4-Way switches always intimidated me and I had to keep the packaging with the diagram close at hand so as not to foul it up. Your explanation is so simple and straightforward. Thank you Shannon.
I watched some computer generated videos and didn’t really grasp what was going on. Your video just helped me wire in my first 4way switch! I think I watched it 20 times or so but finally got it wired up and it works! Thanks!!!
Shannon, God bless and thank you. I am helping a friend, and he removed all wiring he didn't take any pics or mark the existing wires before replacing switches.
Have watched quite a few of your videos over time covering various segments of construction… you’ve been a tremendous help… wish could’ve worked directly with you as feel could gain lotta insight and tricks of the trade so to speak… thanx again!
Your video was SO HELPFUL!!!! Re-switched a hallway in my dad’s new house and this is exactly the direction we needed. Thank you so much. Fantastic demonstration.
Hey man thanks for the video, I’m in grade 10 construction and we are doing some house wiring, for our bonus assignment the teacher wants us to use a 4-way switch with 3-way switches to control a light, this vid helped a lot. Thanks again🙏
this is exactly what i need .... one switch at the top of the stairs to the basement... one at one end of the hall at the bottom of the stairs in the basement and one at the other end of the hall ...i love this.... i watch the SHIT out of all your vids ...thank you SO much for your videos. Even though i'm not a certified electrician , i was allready fairly confident, never-the-less, they have helped me ENORMOUSLY, further adding to my confidence ...in any case, for insurance purposes, should there ever be a fire -- i will still have an electrician overlook my work and OK the job, essentially turning me into his unpaid apprentice (35 bucks for half an hour work doesn't seem like much to me if it helps me sleep at night :) ) ... ,thank you again, these vids gave me the added confidence that i was doing it right. the narrative is perfect and the camera is places just right -- you have no idea how happy these vids make me
I want to personally thank you for making this video - I was having so many issues wiring this setup in my home. One of the three switches never worked quite right. With your clear instructions and visuals I was able to get it fixed for good :) tyvm
Bought a new house and changed all the switches and my hallway with three switches was my last problem. I have spent weeks after work switching different wires all around and going crazy. Watched this video and it turns out my problem was the third switch. I had the black wire that goes to the light in the wrong spot. Thank you for the well made video and the info. You saved me from having to call an electrician.
Great video! Been struggling with a middle switch commanding all other switches. All the wiring was painted, so after identifying the colors, the four-way was improperly wired...super easy fix thanks to your video explaining the functions of each switch. Done and Done! :)
Thank you so much! We just moved into a new house and the staircase light wasn't functioning: they installed 3x 3-way switches (probably replaced one themselves and gave up!). Now it's all good thanks to your video :)
I wish I would have had this info four years ago I really scratched my head doing this for my 6 can lights downstairs. Trial and error until I read about it for 24 hours straight. Great videos man.
I can’t thank you enough for this video!!! I’d set up my circuit using another video and messed something up. Couldn’t figure it out based on the original guy’s instructions. Followed you through this video and it works perfectly now! Thank you!!!
Had a 4 way switch that seemed to be more like a main power switch. Watched your video and figured out two wires on said switch were connected wrong. Switched them and everything works as it should!
Great Video Shannon, I would like to add one thing for noobies out there, when adding 4 way switches to any circuit, they must always be connected in between 3 way switches(as Shannon did here). just figured I'd throw that in don't think he mentioned it in the video. once again thanks Shannon, I watch about all your videos.
Hey man I always enjoy and learn something new from your project videos. I'm currently working on a Innovation on a home. So I'm rewiring and updating a few things the electrical part of the house and I ran into this situation. Okay on circuit number 5 which I have labeled after tracing and locating all the different electrical outlets that function with each and every breaker. Okay so back to my dilemma on Breaker number 5 I apparently have two pairs of 3-way switches one operates the hallway and another one of kitchen dining room area. As part of the remodeling that is going on I went ahead and added another pair making this three pairs of 3-way switches I'm breaker number 5. I added this third pair of 3-way switches on my garage. I believe I did not use the main line source of power to feed these new circuit. I believe I made the mistake by just legging out or branching out from an existing light circuitry because everything will stay on for a few minutes and then everything will just die and my breaker does not trip it just I don't know what's going on so if you have any feedback on this greatly appreciated and also if you could answer my question as far as if it's too many pairs of 3-way switches on one breaker or am I find adding 3in I just don't have it wired up correctly it'll be so awesome if you can do a video like that or even just illustrate a diet a wiring diagram illustrating the three sets of 3-way switches from one breaker. Thank you so much is the first time I ever commented on any of these videos. I'm certified to run residential wiring only I'm not license but I really enjoyed this field I work thanks again and God bless you!
Well the amount of lights you can have on a circuit depends on the total draw everything on that circuit has. Typically a 15 amp breaker can be loaded to a maximum of 80%, so 12amps, even though technically the newer LED lighting has a much smaller amperage draw most areas still restrict you to 12 lights per circuit. . The amount of switches has no effect on the circuit. So basically count your actually total lights on all the branches on that breaker circuit. Please copy and past your question to my forum, we can discuss the wiring issue you have from there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Oh my God, thank you!!!! I have been looking at multiple diagrams, manufacturer instructions, videos, etc. For literally the past 3 days, and this just saved me! No one else showed those switches, the same ones I'm using. Do you have a donate page, I'd like to at least buy you a cup of coffee or a beer!
You have the best videos for DIY, in all sense. Well done videos with all needed explanations. I’d enjoy watching your contributions on a trade that even when regulated, there is always room for improvement, changes due to safety and practices of the trade. A sincere Thank you very much!
Hey there i have an issue using a dimmer in not sure if you or someone else has had any issue with this as well. So my issue is i have a 3way - 4way - 3way switch combo the first switch is a dimmer and also has the power feed and the pot light leg. I’ve hooked them up correctly (by testing with standard 3/4way switches) however if i add one master dimmer on the first 3way is only works intermittently and sometimes just stays completely off. Im wondering if theres a better way to do this or is it something that just cant be controlled by a dimmer
Hello there, I really enjoyed watching your tutorial. I apologize in advance english is not my first language. I have a question can I feed a bathroom vent with a light plus a pot light Feeding from a 20 Amp GFI plug that is also is in my Bathroom already serving a 20 Amp plug on my kitchen? Your feed back would be very helpful thanks!
In most cases it should not matter which one you change out. Many smart dimmers (maybe even all) require a neutral wire , so be sure if yours needs that ,you have one in the box that you are installing in.
Is it possible to take the power from first point ( where brown cable comes in first box) and add for example one more or even two more seperet 4way switch loops to seperate lights. Or each loop must start from its own power line?
Yes it is . keeping in mind the maximum wire connections for the size of box and the maximum fixtures for your circuit. If you need further help on this please use our forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
I completed my wiring as described in this video, everthing works. I now want to add a porch light circut/switch off of one of the four way switches. Can this be done without the circut being interupted by the 4-way switch? Thanks.
@@HouseImprovements Yes, wired it the way you have it, and all four switches operate the room lights. But when I add the new switch for the porch light, off of one of the 4-way switches, using either black or red to power the new switch, it works only until a certain switch in the 4 way circut is turned on or off. It seems the only way to make the porch light switch constant would be to supply it with both the red and black. Not sure how this is done....
I have a 4-way incandescent BR65 lighting switches with a dimmer now. I would like to convert to 90 watt equivalent LED lights. I do not know if the old dimmer will work with LED lights. Do I need to change out the dimmer? I have seen 3-way LED dimmers. Do I need to find a 4-way LED dimmer?
Hello, It's Eileen again. I have a question.. I had a breaker trip and found that it was because the ground wire was touching the black screw in the box. Why would a ground wire cause this. I know a whole lot about the how of electricity but I don't know the why. I have wired 3 entire houses including the panel and outside wires and have passed many inspections. However, I didn't think there was any electricity in or going through the ground wire. Help me to understand this. I will continue to buy houses and do a lot more electricity and want more understanding. Thanks in advance.
could you add one more switch separating the middle and last switch?? and would you wire it similarly to how you would have wired the 4 way in this example
So if I'm running a 5way circuit following this video would I add another 4way switch before the light sockets? Or would I go 3way- 4way- 4way -3way - light
I have 5 switches connected to 1 light. I cannot figure out how to get this setup working right. Old house. I think i may have too many 4-way switches...can you tell me, do i need a single 4-way and the rest 3-way? Or??? Thank you
So in a 4-way switch system, basically there is no on and off position on the switch. It’s just flipping any switch will switch on or off the lights, correct?
yes in most cases you can replace any of the three way switches in the circuit with a three way dimmer.If you have more questions please use my forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
So to be clear, you used 14/3 wire from 3way switch to 4way switch, and four way switch to 3way switch and the 14/2 wire from 3way switch to the light?
Great video on wiring a 4 way circuit. I have two 3 way switches at the beginning of the run about 6 feet apart followed by 3 lights. I want to put another switch at the end of the run about 35 feet away. What is the easiest way to accomplish this? I know I have to place a 4 way switch between the two 3 way switches and do some rewiring but am not sure what is the best way to proceed with the least rewiring.
All you have to do is run a wire to the place you want to install the 3rd switch and now your 2nd switch will now be a 4 way switch and re use your 3 way where you want yo install the new switch.
I will have a 4 way setup, which switch will be the MAIN controller to dim these lights? OR, can i put a dimmer in any part of the 4 way circuit? OR, can any one of these switches be the controller dimmer?
I have same setup depicted in your video in my basement hallway stairs( one 3 way for entering from upstairs unit to basement, one 4 way for basement separate entry door and second 3 way at the basement level) how do i add a motion sensor so when the tenants enter through the basement separate entry door the light turns on automatically. However I want to retain the manual functionality of the two 3 way switches. Kindly let me know.
Our forum is the place for questions like yours. Please post your question in the forum and we can discuss this further. www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Shannon, you have a real talent for explaining technical things in common sense terms that are easy to follow and understand. Thanks for all you've taught me over the years!
I agree. This is the best explanation I have seen of multi-switch wiring. Thank you, Shannon.
This guy is my go to for how to do something. I'm a plumber but thanks to Shannon I'm Jack of a couple more trades master of one.
4-Way switches always intimidated me and I had to keep the packaging with the diagram close at hand so as not to foul it up.
Your explanation is so simple and straightforward.
Thank you Shannon.
I watched some computer generated videos and didn’t really grasp what was going on. Your video just helped me wire in my first 4way switch! I think I watched it 20 times or so but finally got it wired up and it works! Thanks!!!
Shannon, God bless and thank you. I am helping a friend, and he removed all wiring he didn't take any pics or mark the existing wires before replacing switches.
Have watched quite a few of your videos over time covering various segments of construction… you’ve been a tremendous help… wish could’ve worked directly with you as feel could gain lotta insight and tricks of the trade so to speak… thanx again!
Glad to help
Your video was SO HELPFUL!!!! Re-switched a hallway in my dad’s new house and this is exactly the direction we needed. Thank you so much. Fantastic demonstration.
Hey man thanks for the video, I’m in grade 10 construction and we are doing some house wiring, for our bonus assignment the teacher wants us to use a 4-way switch with 3-way switches to control a light, this vid helped a lot. Thanks again🙏
this is exactly what i need .... one switch at the top of the stairs to the basement... one at one end of the hall at the bottom of the stairs in the basement and one at the other end of the hall ...i love this.... i watch the SHIT out of all your vids ...thank you SO much for your videos. Even though i'm not a certified electrician , i was allready fairly confident, never-the-less, they have helped me ENORMOUSLY, further adding to my confidence ...in any case, for insurance purposes, should there ever be a fire -- i will still have an electrician overlook my work and OK the job, essentially turning me into his unpaid apprentice (35 bucks for half an hour work doesn't seem like much to me if it helps me sleep at night :) ) ... ,thank you again, these vids gave me the added confidence that i was doing it right. the narrative is perfect and the camera is places just right -- you have no idea how happy these vids make me
You have to be one of the best people at explaining things.
Thanks a lot, I wasted 1 hour to replace a 4 way switch before watching this video.. truly appreciate
I want to personally thank you for making this video - I was having so many issues wiring this setup in my home. One of the three switches never worked quite right. With your clear instructions and visuals I was able to get it fixed for good :) tyvm
Bought a new house and changed all the switches and my hallway with three switches was my last problem. I have spent weeks after work switching different wires all around and going crazy. Watched this video and it turns out my problem was the third switch. I had the black wire that goes to the light in the wrong spot. Thank you for the well made video and the info. You saved me from having to call an electrician.
yikes. call an electrician before you burn your house down
Great video! Been struggling with a middle switch commanding all other switches. All the wiring was painted, so after identifying the colors, the four-way was improperly wired...super easy fix thanks to your video explaining the functions of each switch. Done and Done! :)
Thank you so much! We just moved into a new house and the staircase light wasn't functioning: they installed 3x 3-way switches (probably replaced one themselves and gave up!). Now it's all good thanks to your video :)
Thank you very much. This was a lot of help. You really dumbed it down for me to where I could understand. LOL I really truly appreciate it.
I wish I would have had this info four years ago I really scratched my head doing this for my 6 can lights downstairs. Trial and error until I read about it for 24 hours straight. Great videos man.
I used the old Black and Decker books....follow the diagrams and you can't go wrong.
I can’t thank you enough for this video!!! I’d set up my circuit using another video and messed something up. Couldn’t figure it out based on the original guy’s instructions. Followed you through this video and it works perfectly now! Thank you!!!
Thankyou!!! Its 2021 and i looked thru 15 videos and this one helped the most!
Had a 4 way switch that seemed to be more like a main power switch. Watched your video and figured out two wires on said switch were connected wrong. Switched them and everything works as it should!
I searched for only your video to help explain this. Well done. Thank you.
You are welcome!
Thank you so much for these videos, I swear your explanations are the only thing getting me through my labs (electrical foundations)
Awesome video, stepped out of electrical and came back so needed a refresher! Your video did the trick
Great Video Shannon, I would like to add one thing for noobies out there, when adding 4 way switches to any circuit, they must always be connected in between 3 way switches(as Shannon did here). just figured I'd throw that in don't think he mentioned it in the video. once again thanks Shannon, I watch about all your videos.
Hey man I always enjoy and learn something new from your project videos. I'm currently working on a Innovation on a home. So I'm rewiring and updating a few things the electrical part of the house and I ran into this situation. Okay on circuit number 5 which I have labeled after tracing and locating all the different electrical outlets that function with each and every breaker. Okay so back to my dilemma on Breaker number 5 I apparently have two pairs of 3-way switches one operates the hallway and another one of kitchen dining room area. As part of the remodeling that is going on I went ahead and added another pair making this three pairs of 3-way switches I'm breaker number 5. I added this third pair of 3-way switches on my garage. I believe I did not use the main line source of power to feed these new circuit. I believe I made the mistake by just legging out or branching out from an existing light circuitry because everything will stay on for a few minutes and then everything will just die and my breaker does not trip it just I don't know what's going on so if you have any feedback on this greatly appreciated and also if you could answer my question as far as if it's too many pairs of 3-way switches on one breaker or am I find adding 3in I just don't have it wired up correctly it'll be so awesome if you can do a video like that or even just illustrate a diet a wiring diagram illustrating the three sets of 3-way switches from one breaker. Thank you so much is the first time I ever commented on any of these videos. I'm certified to run residential wiring only I'm not license but I really enjoyed this field I work thanks again and God bless you!
Well the amount of lights you can have on a circuit depends on the total draw everything on that circuit has. Typically a 15 amp breaker can be loaded to a maximum of 80%, so 12amps, even though technically the newer LED lighting has a much smaller amperage draw most areas still restrict you to 12 lights per circuit. . The amount of switches has no effect on the circuit. So basically count your actually total lights on all the branches on that breaker circuit.
Please copy and past your question to my forum, we can discuss the wiring issue you have from there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Perfect video, that last switch I was confused about the black screw and you helped! Thank you 🎉
I love the video and channel. I'm pretty dumb though and had no idea what a four way light switch was until the end when you tested it.
Oh my God, thank you!!!! I have been looking at multiple diagrams, manufacturer instructions, videos, etc. For literally the past 3 days, and this just saved me! No one else showed those switches, the same ones I'm using. Do you have a donate page, I'd like to at least buy you a cup of coffee or a beer!
LOL, we have a PayPal link here for straight donations. thanks in advance! www.patreon.com/HouseImprovements
You have the best videos for DIY, in all sense. Well done videos with all needed explanations. I’d enjoy watching your contributions on a trade that even when regulated, there is always room for improvement, changes due to safety and practices of the trade. A sincere Thank you very much!
Best DIY channel 👍
Thank you very much man, I really appreciate your teaching 👍
Great setup, great explanation. The best learning video to wire a 4 way switch. I've been so confused until I watch this video. Thank you very much!
Great to hear!
Agreed. Appreciate ya!
Thank you for all your help.
Thats is a perfect illustration. Thank you very much. Huge help!
Yo a you’re the man! Everything is working now! Thanks
Clear, Concise, Helpful. Thanks!
Excellent and simple way to explain the 4-way.....
awesome.
Thank you!!!
Thanks Shannon, awesome video
Thanks 👍 straight to the point content.
Thanks for the straight forward video and awesome example board
تشکر از شما از شما تشکر
فوق العاده عالی است
کامل کامل
حرفه ای حرفه ای
کامل کامل
جامع جامع
قوی قوی
بیان و سخنان شما بسیار زیبا و رسا است.
با احترام
Shannon I love at the beginning how it looks like you were laughing!
Excellent explanation!!
Is there a reason the four way switch is in the middle?
Thank you for sharing your noledge is very clear very helpful
Thank you very much, it was very helpful and easy understand.
Thank you!!! You helped me a lot.
Good refresher, thanks!
Even I don't speak English I understood you good explanation
Excellent job
great video you made that very easy to understand
Worked perfectly
Thank you very much ! very very easy way you explain sir
Always easy whit you thanks 😊
Hey there i have an issue using a dimmer in not sure if you or someone else has had any issue with this as well. So my issue is i have a 3way - 4way - 3way switch combo the first switch is a dimmer and also has the power feed and the pot light leg. I’ve hooked them up correctly (by testing with standard 3/4way switches) however if i add one master dimmer on the first 3way is only works intermittently and sometimes just stays completely off. Im wondering if theres a better way to do this or is it something that just cant be controlled by a dimmer
post your question in our forum and we can help from there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Thanks 👍
Good video did a great job explaining everything
OK THNX
Outstanding sir. and thank you
Great video, thanks!
You are a genius
Hello there, I really enjoyed watching your tutorial. I apologize in advance english is not my first language. I have a question can I feed a bathroom vent with a light plus a pot light Feeding from a 20 Amp GFI plug that is also is in my Bathroom already serving a 20 Amp plug on my kitchen? Your feed back would be very helpful thanks!
We can help you in my forum if you copy and paste your question there.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Very well explained thanks 👍🏻
Thanks for the help!
Would this work with a dimmer switch? If so would it set the light for each switch and which one would you make the dimmer? Great video! Thanks!
Here is that exact conversation in our forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12182
Can you possibly do a video on removing the 4way and leaving it with just the 3 ways
Watch your Vedic all the time very nice .one question can you teach me how to wire different four way switch ,the light in the middle
We can help you on the forumwww.house-improvements.com/forums/
Shannon...Can power originate at the 4 way switch and still work properly???/
Thank you very much it does help
I want to replace one of the three ways with a three way smart dimmer. Should I install it in the box with the incoming hot line from the panel?
In most cases it should not matter which one you change out. Many smart dimmers (maybe even all) require a neutral wire , so be sure if yours needs that ,you have one in the box that you are installing in.
Is it possible to take the power from first point ( where brown cable comes in first box) and add for example one more or even two more seperet 4way switch loops to seperate lights. Or each loop must start from its own power line?
Yes it is . keeping in mind the maximum wire connections for the size of box and the maximum fixtures for your circuit. If you need further help on this please use our forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Thanks for sharing your knowledge
It would look cleaner if you could use the same color for the travelers and switched leg. Is there a reason to use only black and red this way?
Thanks so much, I always have a hard time remembering which way it goes,
Thank you.
Thanks bro
You are awesome
Can you install an occupancy sensor in place of one of the switches?
yes
I completed my wiring as described in this video, everthing works. I now want to add a porch light circut/switch off of one of the four way switches. Can this be done without the circut being interupted by the 4-way switch? Thanks.
Yes , if you are wired the way I have it you will have a neutral and constant power wire at every box.
@@HouseImprovements Yes, wired it the way you have it, and all four switches operate the room lights. But when I add the new switch for the porch light, off of one of the 4-way switches, using either black or red to power the new switch, it works only until a certain switch in the 4 way circut is turned on or off. It seems the only way to make the porch light switch constant would be to supply it with both the red and black. Not sure how this is done....
I have a 4-way incandescent BR65 lighting switches with a dimmer now. I would like to convert to 90 watt equivalent LED lights. I do not know if the old dimmer will work with LED lights. Do I need to change out the dimmer? I have seen 3-way LED dimmers. Do I need to find a 4-way LED dimmer?
Can take a separate branch from the last 3 way switch
Hello, It's Eileen again. I have a question.. I had a breaker trip and found that it was because the ground wire was touching the black screw in the box. Why would a ground wire cause this. I know a whole lot about the how of electricity but I don't know the why. I have wired 3 entire houses including the panel and outside wires and have passed many inspections. However, I didn't think there was any electricity in or going through the ground wire. Help me to understand this. I will continue to buy houses and do a lot more electricity and want more understanding. Thanks in advance.
Thank you
could you add one more switch separating the middle and last switch?? and would you wire it similarly to how you would have wired the 4 way in this example
we can help you in the forum. www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Great video 👌👍👏👏👏
So if I'm running a 5way circuit following this video would I add another 4way switch before the light sockets? Or would I go 3way- 4way- 4way -3way - light
wow, actually I'm not entirely sure.
The second one you mentioned is correct. 4-ways always go between the 3-ways.
What if you add a dimmer to one of those 3ways.... Does the rest of the wiring stay the same??
yes it is fine.
Awesome you are the man !!
I have 5 switches connected to 1 light. I cannot figure out how to get this setup working right. Old house. I think i may have too many 4-way switches...can you tell me, do i need a single 4-way and the rest 3-way? Or??? Thank you
And probably I will need to trace the order the switches are wired...this old house is a wiring mess lol.
I have switches on 4 different floor levels.
Post a question in my forum and we can help from there. www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Great video Shannon! Thank you so much!
So in a 4-way switch system, basically there is no on and off position on the switch. It’s just flipping any switch will switch on or off the lights, correct?
Yes, exactly, you just cycle through the lights on and off.
Can you install a dimmer on a 4-way LED spot light circuit?
yes in most cases you can replace any of the three way switches in the circuit with a three way dimmer.If you have more questions please use my forum.www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Nice. Make sure you pigtail all connections nex time
Awesome. This helps a lot.
So to be clear, you used 14/3 wire from 3way switch to 4way switch, and four way switch to 3way switch and the 14/2 wire from 3way switch to the light?
Correct
Correct
Great video on wiring a 4 way circuit. I have two 3 way switches at the beginning of the run about 6 feet apart followed by 3 lights. I want to put another switch at the end of the run about 35 feet away. What is the easiest way to accomplish this? I know I have to place a 4 way switch between the two 3 way switches and do some rewiring but am not sure what is the best way to proceed with the least rewiring.
All you have to do is run a wire to the place you want to install the 3rd switch and now your 2nd switch will now be a 4 way switch and re use your 3 way where you want yo install the new switch.
nice and thanks dear
What if I wanted install a dimmer switch, on which switch would I put it on, the 4 way switch, or on one of the 3 way switches?
Depends if you have a 3 way dimmer or 4 way dimmer switch.
I will have a 4 way setup, which switch will be the MAIN controller to dim these lights? OR, can i put a dimmer in any part of the 4 way circuit? OR, can any one of these switches be the controller dimmer?
I have same setup depicted in your video in my basement hallway stairs( one 3 way for entering from upstairs unit to basement, one 4 way for basement separate entry door and second 3 way at the basement level) how do i add a motion sensor so when the tenants enter through the basement separate entry door the light turns on automatically. However I want to retain the manual functionality of the two 3 way switches. Kindly let me know.
Our forum is the place for questions like yours. Please post your question in the forum and we can discuss this further. www.house-improvements.com/forums/
Always good content. Thanks!