4 way switches

[pushkins]

Three switches control one light fixture so a four way, two switches work perfectly, when the third switch is used the other two switches do nothing at all. Turn the "other switch" back so the lights are off and the other two switches work as intended again.

is it a faulty switch (they are just three way switches right ?) ?......no one has touched the switches as far as I know but it was a rental for a few years, and they used to work as intended.

[HayZee518]

switching

look in the illustrations for switches. I drew a diagram using two 3 ways and a four way.
the four way is a double pole double throw switch. all it does is switch the hots in a criss cross fashion.
the 3 way switches from the common hot to either traveler.

[HayZee518]

4 way

check out illustrations for electrical page 3 thread 22 I think. thread 24 has a better diagram.

[pushkins]

I can't find crap, click on illustrations just takes you to an overall page and from there it's like pulling hens teeth trying to find anything

[HayZee518]

pictures

ok, follow these instructions:
top of page FORUMS
Next index shows up click on ELECTRICAL
Then STICKY HELPFUL ELECTRICAL DRAWINGS
Go to page 3
Next search pages 22 and 26
the drawing on thread 22, right click and VIEW IMAGE
the drawing on thread 26, left click on it.
Easy.

[korean1]

incase the images were not visible.
google "schematic of 4-way switch"
should make sense with some diagrams.
but basically 1 3-way will have the incoming power.
that is then sent to the 4way. the from there sent to the 3-way.
then to the light.
the neutral must never be connected to the switches.
it travels from the incoming power, jumping from switch box to box to light.
which it connects to light.

now, you might have a problem...such as. the wiring from each 3way to the 4 way
may not be a 3wire with ground. some people dont know and just use a 2 wire with ground.
from each 3way, 2 wires connect to the 4way switch and the 3rd is the neutral.
hope this makes sense.