How To Wire 4-Way Switch Or Intermediate Switch (3-Way)?

How to Wire an Intermediate Switch as Three-Way Switching & Wiring Crossover Switch as Four-Way Switching – IEC & NEC

Table of Contents

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• What is 4-Way Switch and 3-Way Switch – NEC & IEC?
• What is DPDT Switch?
• What is Intermediate Switch?
• Wiring 4-Way Switch (DPDT) for 120V/240V Circuits – NEC
• Wiring 3-Way (Intermediate) DPDT Switch for 230V Circuits – IEC

What is 4-Way Switch and 3-Way Switch – NEC & IEC?

There is no difference between 4-way switch (NEC) and 3-Way switch IEC e.g. it represents the same thing.

• North America – US: It is known as the 4-Way Switch or Crossover Switch. The pair of wires connecting the two switches (4-Way & 3-Way) are known as travelers.
• UK, EU & IEC following Countries: It is known as 3-Way Switch or Intermediate Switch. The pair of wires connecting the two switches (3-Way & 2-Way) are known as strappers.

In short, a 4-Way Switch (US) or 3-Way (Intermediate) Switch is a DPDT is a “Double Pole Double Throw” switch having four terminals.

4 – Way Switch – DPDT, Double Pole, Double Throw – US – NEC

3 – Way Switch – DPDT, Double Pole, Double Throw – UK – IEC

Difference Between 4-Way and Double Pole Switches (US – NEC).

• Both 4-Way switch and Double Pole switch look similar and have 4 terminals screws The device rating differentiate them. Alternatively, the switch terminals can be tested using a multimeter in the continuity test mode.
• 4-Way switches are rated for 120V – 277V, while double pole switches are rated for 220V to 240V.
• 4-Way switch divert both wires when switch position is changed, while double pole switch turns ON or OFF both wires.
• When switch position is changed, the 4-Way switch diverts (interchanges) both wires while double pole switch turns ON or OFF both wires.

Related Posts:

• How to Wire Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST) as 2-Way & 1-Way Switch? IEC & NEC
• How to Wire Single Pole, Double Throw (SPDT) as 3-Way & 2-Way Switch? IEC & NEC

What is DPDT Switch?

DPDT (stands for Double Pole Double Throw) switch is used to control two different circuits at the same time e.g. home appliances such as lighting circuits etc. Due to the common lever, it is used to control a single operation either ON or OFF between two electric circuits such as corridor or staircase wiring installation where a lighting point is controlled from more than two places.

DPDT switch has 6 terminals where 2 of them are used as common while the rest are used as travelers or signal pins.

Good to know: DPDT switch is known as double pole, double throw, crossover switch or 4-way switch in North America (US – NEC). While it is known as three Way switch or intermediate Switch in the Europe, UK and IEC following countries.