Correct, no 4 way dimmers. The 3 way must be at either end of the switch legs, whatever it takes. If the dimmer is desired in a location where only a 4 way switch makes sense, the only solution is to extend the power and double back the switch legs so that it becomes the “end”.

How do you wire a 3-way dimmer switch with 4 wires?


Quote from Youtube video: Begin by inserting the bare copper ground wire under the green terminal screw on the dimmer. And tighten the screw. Firmly. Next take the common wire the one marked with a piece of electrical tape.

Can a dimmer switch be used on a 4-way switch?

While no 4-way dimmer exists, there are 3-way dimmers that you could replace one of your two 3-way switches with. You can only have one, the other switch plus the one or more 4-way switches in the middle must be toggle switches.

Does it matter which 3 way switch has the dimmer?

When using a 3-way dimmer switch, you should only have one dimmer on the circuit. The other switches (you can have more than one) must be on-off switches only. In this setup, the light level is controlled from a single location, whichever light switch you replace with the dimmer switch.

Are 3 way and 4-way switches the same?

A four-way switch is similar to a three-way, except it has four terminals (plus a ground terminal) and controls one fixture from three locations. This type of switch must be combined between two three-way switches to form a circuit. While more uncommon, this is a good option for large rooms with several entrances.

How do you wire a 3-way switch to a 4 way switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: This black wire that goes with the power cable is called the line wire. And it goes to the black common terminal. So it just goes right in the back. And then we tighten it up. Alright.

Why does my dimmer switch have 4 wires?

Since the switch cuts the power on and off, there will be a black wire coming into the switch and a black wire leaving. The whites are normally just connected together with a wire nut and the coppers are connected together with a wire nut or grounded to a metal junction box. So the new switch has four wires.

How do you wire a 4-way dimmer switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And a four-way switch the circuit is going to start with a three-way switch your four-way switch is going to be the second switch. And the third switch going up to the light will be a three-way.

How many dimmers can be on a 4-way switch?

Senior Member. Welcome to the forum. Yes, you can use just one dimmer regardless of how many 4 ways are inbetween your 2 3 ways. I wont say “all” ways in which 3 ways are wired would work with the dimmer beginning or end, but the standard way, the dimmer can replace either 3 way switch.

How do you install a Lutron dimmer switch with 4 wires?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Next connect the black dimmer wire to the common wire that you marked with electrical tape remove the tape then connect the remaining dimmer wires to the remaining wall box wires.

Can I use a 3-way dimmer switch as a single-pole?

3-way switches may be used in single-pole applications. This is also true for Lutron’s 3-way controls and multi-location controls such as Vareo and Maestro.

What is a 3-way dimmer switch?

With a three-way dimmer, you can control a light with two switches. You will need a three-way dimmer and a three-way switch. This lets you dim from one location and turn the lights on and off from another. If only one switch controls the light, purchase a single-pole dimmer.

What does a 4-way switch look like?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You will notice that this switch has four terminals not counting the ground. The other two switches on the left and the right are three ways notice that these two switches.

How can you tell which wire is common on a 4 way switch?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: This group of wires goes to the upstairs switch in this group that's connected to the switch still goes downstairs. As you can see that's the hot set of wires this is just a little voltage tester.

What is in and out on a 4 way switch?

The 4-way terminals are labeled “In” and “Out” (two of each). The mechanics of this switch are simple, in that they either switch the travellers straight through, or criss-cross them. To add more than three locations for one set of lights, you would just insert more 4-way switches in between the two 3-ways.

Does a 4 way switch have a hot wire?

4 Way Switch Wiring with Four Switches



The source is at SW1 and the hot wire is connected to the common terminal. Three-wire cable runs between all switches and 2-wire cable runs from the last switch to the light fixture.