How to Wire a 4-Way Switch

Pull Cables to Switch Locations

Bring these cables to your switch boxes and light(s):

• 14/2 (black, white, ground) from panel to first three-way switch.
• 14/3 (black, red, white, ground) from first three-way switch to four-way switch.
• 14/3 (black, red, white, ground) from four-way switch to second three-way switch.
• 14/2 (black, white, ground) from second three-way switch to light(s).

Remember, four-way switches only work if they’re installed in the circuit in between two three-way switches. You can have as many intervening four-way switches as you want in the lighting control circuit, but they have to be bookended by two three-way switches.

Always know what you’re working on. Is it a circuit rated at 15 amperes? Is it a 20 amp circuit? The size of the circuit breaker in the electrical panel determines the rating of the branch circuit.

Here we have a branch circuit originating at a 15 amp circuit breaker, with 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) cable and light switches rated at 15 amps. Whenever you replace existing light switches, make sure the replacement switches have the same rating.