One of these videos helped me with a switch loop. I took a light down but had a little difficulty getting the wiring right when I put up a new one. It was causing the breaker to trip before I figured out how to do it. Until then that breaker was turned off for a day or two. That light was not in a room that we use a lot so I turned off the breaker while I tried to figure out what I should have done. I just took a picture of the screen with my phone to keep a copy of the diagram. My wiring was a little bit easier since it was earlier than 2011 code and did not need 3 wire (4 if you count the ground as a wire) for that. If I was working with 3 wire it would have left me a little more confused for a little while. These things can be confusing if you don't have to do them every day. Although it is a good idea to hire an electrician a lot of people can do these things themselves if they knew how to. I really only call an electrician if it is a problem that I can not fix myself like a problem with the electrical panel (never had one yet). Some of them are expensive to hire as they can be close to $100 per hour maybe more.
Simply amazing! I am 72 years old and have "some" electrical knowledge, I have always done my own electrical wiring and troubleshooting. However, I have never understood 3-way and 4-way switches, but after watching both your physical wiring and schematic description videos, I finally understand them and I will no longer avoid the topic or task of installing and wiring these devices. Simply amazing!
I just love the way you simplify these concepts and make them not seem like rocket science. I've always had a hard time understanding this but you just gave me my "EUREKA!" moment. I appreciate all that you do!
I was confused by explanation of the connects across a 4-way switch...so much that I had to go to Home Depot and buy one to test. The functionality is that in one position there is contact between both of the diagonals....black to gold and black to gold. In the other position there is contact between both of the side terminals....again black to gold and black to gold. If you google 'pictures of 4 way switches' there is an excellent Java demo of a couple of 4-ways in action as other switches are flipped on and off.
thank you for this i was having trouble understanding how that worked. the four way crosses over from straight up down to crossing over. i got stuck thinking when you turned the middle 4 way the others wouldn't work.
Great job Dustin. I've been wiring for years, but I'd never be able to explain it as well, or as thorough, as you do. I found your videos to be so interesting that I actually watched them all night last night. If you and Electrician U had been around 35 years ago, I wouldn't have had to go to electrical school. Have a great evening.
Perfect explanation and demo. I am a 3rd year apprentice in Lafayette, IN. I have had 2 different journeyman attempt to explain this exact thing while we were up in an attic wiring them and neither time did I come away feeling confident in myself installing them by myself in the future, and even through 3 years of ABC electrical school I can honestly say that I learn more practical application knowledge from watching your videos than from 3 hours each week there. I have a confession to make; Last week I skipped class and watched your videos w my mini Doxie Ziggy Lee on my lap for like 2 hours. Ur single handedly responsible for giving me the “why” I need to understand mentally how these systems work that I am installing and servicing and the confidence I have been starving both for in my career. So all that was so you understand how much I feel indebted to you for ur generosity w ur wisdom of our field that you share w us in your library of videos. Thank you a million times thank you from me and all your sparky brothers you are helping that you don’t get to see benefit and grow directly because of you! Ur my guy n if I ever cross paths w you I got your drinks homie 🍻
I just want to thank you for your videos. I'm about to be a apprentice and your videos have helped me wrap my head around all of this wizardry 😂. Thank so much for taking your time and making these videos to spread your knowledge. I really appreciate it.
I’m almost 45 ,worked on/ran/owned our family’s dairy farm ever since I could walk. Tired of it and going to trade school in September to take an electrical program. I’ve been helping an electrician friend of mine over the winter here and there running wire ,helping install air to air heat pumps and so on. Love the variety of work and constant learning this trade involves. These videos are incredibly helpful and easy to understand what your teaching. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach in a manner that connects with everyday people. Dwayne Phillips PEI Canada
Hey man, I'm getting heaps out of this video series. I'm learning all this stuff before I even start my pre-trade course next year. Thanks for all the good videos man! Jordan - New Zealand
Hey Destin, I recently came across your channel and I really like your videos and think you do a great job of breaking things down. I know this video was posted a long time ago, but I have some critique on the way the 4 way switch works internally since I don't see any corrections in the description or pinned in the comments. The way I understand it, the switch operates by either connecting the terminals diagonally (as shown), or when switched, the terminals will be connected vertically based on how you've drawn it. Another way to put it is, if the switch is in one configuration, the top left terminal will connect to the bottom right, and the top right will connect to the bottom left. In the other configuration, the top left terminal will connect to the bottom left terminal, and the top right terminal will connect to the bottom right terminal. Other than that, keep up the great work!
Yeah it seems like a key detail of the 4-way switch was left out and this clarifies it. Thanks. I'm thinking of it as the 4-way switch in the middle _always_ connects one in to one out, and the other in to the other out. When it's switched, that's still true, but it's just changing which in is connected to which out to the other possible way of doing that.
Excellent video tutorials. It’s easy to follow especially the input and output of the 4-way switch. Perfect, I have the 4-way switch with level input and output.
Excellent explanation. Almost every video on CZcams says the black screw is always HOT. After trying to swap a switch and not have luck came across your video. In the first 3 min I figured out what I was doing wrong. Keep up the excellent work.
When I was about 11 a friends house had a long hall with a three way at either end. I knew a bit about wiring and I was so puzzled about how this worked. Later I was in a hardware store and stumbled on three-way switches with wiring diagrams on the package. I will never forget that Aha! moment!!!! Thanks for the video!
Just a tip here. The diagram and explanation is great - but If you ever change out a combination 2 way and 3 way device in a crowded switch box make sure you take a photo of the wired device before you disconnect. You will regret it if you get distracted and forget which color conductor landed where. I have 2 3-ways and 2 4-ways in a back multifamily hallway and still only have 3 out of the 4 switches working (had to work with an assistant and took a half day - after an electrician tried to reconnect and then told me he would have to rewire the whole setup).
I’m a new subscriber and currently working as an industrial electrical apprentice, man please don’t stop making CZcams vids, I’m learning so much from your videos, might be switching to a residential worker, right now I currently work on control panel wiring, (breakers, transformers, contractors) but your videos on switches and wiring them are really helpful and make me learn a lot. Please don’t stop making videos and hopefully you can start making consistent ones too cuz I really love your channel! Subscriber from Canada 🇨🇦
Super helpful video. The journeyman I work with is terrible at explaining this sort of stuff. This made it clear and understandable. Appreciate you doing this.
The 4 way switches sold locally do not work the way you describe. With reference to your diagram, In one position of the switch each bottom terminal is connected to the top terminal directly above it. In the other switch position, each bottom terminal is connected to the top terminal diagonally across from it. So there is no switch position where one bottom terminal is connected to the top terminally diagonally opposite from it and the other bottom terminal is NOT connected to the top terminal diagonally opposite it. You suggest at 5:48 that such a thing is possible. Are you describing a different kind of 4-way switch? The wiring scheme you show does work for locally sold 4-way switches.
Sorry Harry, but Bobo is correct. Few people seem to understand what he is saying, but the irony is they don't really need to for it to still work. It's only their thinking that's broken- not the switch itself ;) If 4 way switches were built the way the video explains- the entire configuration simply couldn't work as intended. Good job Bobo!
Thanks for this video. Was doing the exact same replacement. Helped me get it done. The pico remote approach is really nice. One extra benefit of those when mounted in boxes is a lot of free space behind them for other switches in the same box.
Great explanation! Following the path that electricity flows helps to visualize how to stop such flow by opening the switch contact points. Thanks for taking the time to put this lesson together 👍
Does anyone see this as wrong? At min 8:36 you would need to flip the two 3-way switches to make it work. His internals on the 4-way are wrong. It should toggle between chris-cross (X) and straight through (=) connectivity. That way you only ever need to flick one switch to complete the circuit.
I agree with you, James. I was going to make the same comment, but you said it better than I could. A four-way switch is a double-pole double throw (DPDT) switch. The poles either cross connect or straight connect. Then you can repeat as many of these as you need to complete the setup. The three way is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch.
@@radickd2 you are correct and i commented on this up above, the 4 way "reverses the travellers" it is infact a dpdt switch with a builtin crossover or straight through function
great video, short and to the point! Now I can be more confident when I do some fire restoration electrical work! thanks. I always done my own electrical, aside from wiring our home when we built it, but never realized the magic was in the switch! Thanks a lot.
AWESOME video as always. If I could suggest something, I would recommend mentioning to viewers that they can add additional 4-way switches in the circuit if needed.
Hello, I need to add TWO 3-way switches to the same circuit. Basically, we have a double split level. Kitchen has stairs down to garage and stairs from garage down to basement. We have a 3way already, for the garage interior lights with a single pole running to the led motion light on the exterior garage. The switches are currently located at the top of the steps into the kitchen and a double switch for the garage indoor and outdoor lights located in between the two garage doors. We would like a 3way for the stairwell lights (1 in each well) with a 3way switch at the top of each stairwell. Next, we would like to keep the existing 3way that’s for the garage lights with the single pole for the exterior motion light.
great explaining bro, we don't have 4 way switches in France, from 3 and more combined switches we use "telerupteurs" with are basically a relay system in the panel that can be commanded from as many push buttons as you want. The cool thing is you can have the push buttons only on the neutral therefor not hot wires travelling at users level, very recommended in say a day care center, school etc
I like your presentations and this one is no exception. I was enthusiastic when your intro mentioned SCHEMATIC. Even tho it was not until 9:26 into the video that you began drawing schematic (vs. wiring) diagram. Using Single-pole and Double-pole switches, fully labeled with common, normally open, and normally closed I think would enhance the discussion. (Sorry, but I am in the Electronic industry and its terminology/symbology.)
Have just started school doing electrical and am trying my very best to lean as much as I can about it thank you for posting this video man it help me alot I wud really like you to post a video starting from A step how to wire a cercuit using sheated cable thank u very much👍
Thanks for the help! I originally thought that on 4 way switches one black post was IN and the other black post was OUT The travelers would be the remaining two brass posts. Wrong! I am not the only one who got this WRONG.
One thing I struggle with as an industrial electrician is reading the wiring schematics. Would love to see a video on an easy/better way to break them down.
@ 5:36 he draws the path between the two terminals as an X, state that "you always have a path between the two terminals," then he says the path changes but does not diagram the circuit changes when the 4-way is switched. In his diagram the top left terminal is connected to the bottom right terminal and the other traveler is connected to the top right and lower left terminals. He needs a Volt Ohm Meter to check his diagram because he should show the travelers will connect as shown or from top right to bottom right and top left and bottom left, respectively as the switch changes position. X or ||. Good idea, also, to speak of SOURCE and LOAD as the switch(es) are used to control power between a source and a load.
Great video! I guess you can add as many 4-ways as you want in between the two 3-ways for additional switch locations? My current rental house has 5 (!!) switches controlling the same hallway light (one in each bedroom, one in the hallway). Ironically several of these are within arms reach of each other. 😂
thank you so much! i was struggling on how to wire a 4 way switch in circuit in class.... I think i finally understand now! im about to go to home depot and but the stuff to make a board to do this to make sure!!! Thank you so much! i love your channel! SUBSCRIBED!!!!!!!
Thanks for the video; one comment, please run neutral wires to switch gangs, even if not needed. It sure helps to add/upgrade to a smart switch device that requires a neutral wire to power itself.
How do I install a switch before a chimney? I have an incoming hot romex then my switch and the is the chimney, do I need a 3 way switch or a 2 way? And how would you lay it out? Thank you your videos are helping me so much man! Your way od teaching is very on point
I do not understand the nomenclature ... they 3-way switch only has "two ways" of connecting. The 4-way switch is, I understand, a DPDT switch (Double Pole Double Throw) and the explanation of its connection was deficient if so. If the light is on and you switch it of at the hot end, then back on at the leg end the power will flow through the opposite diagonal of the "4-way", so to work both diagonals must be connected. If you then switch the light off at the "4-way" it must still have two routes through as if not switching the hot or leg end would not restore the light? The easiest way to describe a DPDT switch is it connects the terminals in an X pattern (as shown) or as = (not shown). If the "4-way" route is switched (note it is neither specifically off or on) then there are still two routes through it for the "3-way" switches to choose. When he switched the "4-way" he should have rubbed out the X and connected the Commons and the Travellers ??? A "3-way" switch is a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switch. An on/off switch is a SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) switch. An Isolating switch, used to cut both Hot and Neutral, is a DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) switch. I learned about DPDT switches when I was very young as they were used for reversing DC electric model trains. It was important to use switches with a central off position or "break before make" switches as "make before break" switches would give a dead short whilst being thrown. Most (?) model train controllers have reversing by turning the knob in a different direction or having the switching beyond the stop position ... to prevent you reversing the engine at speed ... something we, when kids, had great fun doing. In the (AC) electrical system shown the legs are only ever 'hot' or dead so "make before break" is not a problem! PS I am in the UK but lived from 2-10 in South Africa where I lesrned about electrical switches from my English father so I cannot be sure that "DPDT" nomenclature is common ... but it does describe the switching functionality simply.
I just had a huge "AHA" moment. loving these drawing videos!
One of these videos helped me with a switch loop. I took a light down but had a little difficulty getting the wiring right when I put up a new one. It was causing the breaker to trip before I figured out how to do it. Until then that breaker was turned off for a day or two. That light was not in a room that we use a lot so I turned off the breaker while I tried to figure out what I should have done. I just took a picture of the screen with my phone to keep a copy of the diagram. My wiring was a little bit easier since it was earlier than 2011 code and did not need 3 wire (4 if you count the ground as a wire) for that. If I was working with 3 wire it would have left me a little more confused for a little while. These things can be confusing if you don't have to do them every day. Although it is a good idea to hire an electrician a lot of people can do these things themselves if they knew how to. I really only call an electrician if it is a problem that I can not fix myself like a problem with the electrical panel (never had one yet). Some of them are expensive to hire as they can be close to $100 per hour maybe more.
And I just had one of these moments five minutes in
Simply amazing! I am 72 years old and have "some" electrical knowledge, I have always done my own electrical wiring and troubleshooting. However, I have never understood 3-way and 4-way switches, but after watching both your physical wiring and schematic description videos, I finally understand them and I will no longer avoid the topic or task of installing and wiring these devices. Simply amazing!
Your "off topic" are sooooo informational!!! As someone else said, I had an "AHA" moment too.
This is the best and most understandable video on 3-way and 4-way switching on youtube.
Just realized this is how my light switches in my hallway work. Mind is blown. Thanks bro😀
I just love the way you simplify these concepts and make them not seem like rocket science. I've always had a hard time understanding this but you just gave me my "EUREKA!" moment. I appreciate all that you do!
I was confused by explanation of the connects across a 4-way switch...so much that I had to go to Home Depot and buy one to test. The functionality is that in one position there is contact between both of the diagonals....black to gold and black to gold. In the other position there is contact between both of the side terminals....again black to gold and black to gold. If you google 'pictures of 4 way switches' there is an excellent Java demo of a couple of 4-ways in action as other switches are flipped on and off.
thank you for this i was having trouble understanding how that worked. the four way crosses over from straight up down to crossing over. i got stuck thinking when you turned the middle 4 way the others wouldn't work.
Your the best man thank you finally after several times( hour) watched your video and got it the first time 👍
@@namgnol yeah because the guy in this video explained it wrong
Yes - these are very helpful. Now I can go back to your wiring videos and not get lost.
Thanks!
Your explanation was clearer than other videos I've watched. Thanks for your time.
Southwest Missouri here, I agree with the other comments on here that that is a very simplified and understandable way of showing how they work
Great job Dustin. I've been wiring for years, but I'd never be able to explain it as well, or as thorough, as you do. I found your videos to be so interesting that I actually watched them all night last night. If you and Electrician U had been around 35 years ago, I wouldn't have had to go to electrical school. Have a great evening.
👌🏾
Perfect explanation and demo. I am a 3rd year apprentice in Lafayette, IN. I have had 2 different journeyman attempt to explain this exact thing while we were up in an attic wiring them and neither time did I come away feeling confident in myself installing them by myself in the future, and even through 3 years of ABC electrical school I can honestly say that I learn more practical application knowledge from watching your videos than from 3 hours each week there. I have a confession to make; Last week I skipped class and watched your videos w my mini Doxie Ziggy Lee on my lap for like 2 hours. Ur single handedly responsible for giving me the “why” I need to understand mentally how these systems work that I am installing and servicing and the confidence I have been starving both for in my career. So all that was so you understand how much I feel indebted to you for ur generosity w ur wisdom of our field that you share w us in your library of videos. Thank you a million times thank you from me and all your sparky brothers you are helping that you don’t get to see benefit and grow directly because of you! Ur my guy n if I ever cross paths w you I got your drinks homie 🍻
First time I've fully understood 3 and 4-way switches. Thank you, subscribed
I just want to thank you for your videos. I'm about to be a apprentice and your videos have helped me wrap my head around all of this wizardry 😂. Thank so much for taking your time and making these videos to spread your knowledge. I really appreciate it.
I’m almost 45 ,worked on/ran/owned our family’s dairy farm ever since I could walk. Tired of it and going to trade school in September to take an electrical program. I’ve been helping an electrician friend of mine over the winter here and there running wire ,helping install air to air heat pumps and so on. Love the variety of work and constant learning this trade involves. These videos are incredibly helpful and easy to understand what your teaching. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach in a manner that connects with everyday people. Dwayne Phillips PEI Canada
Hey man, I'm getting heaps out of this video series. I'm learning all this stuff before I even start my pre-trade course next year. Thanks for all the good videos man! Jordan - New Zealand
Hey Destin, I recently came across your channel and I really like your videos and think you do a great job of breaking things down. I know this video was posted a long time ago, but I have some critique on the way the 4 way switch works internally since I don't see any corrections in the description or pinned in the comments.
The way I understand it, the switch operates by either connecting the terminals diagonally (as shown), or when switched, the terminals will be connected vertically based on how you've drawn it. Another way to put it is, if the switch is in one configuration, the top left terminal will connect to the bottom right, and the top right will connect to the bottom left. In the other configuration, the top left terminal will connect to the bottom left terminal, and the top right terminal will connect to the bottom right terminal.
Other than that, keep up the great work!
Yeah it seems like a key detail of the 4-way switch was left out and this clarifies it. Thanks. I'm thinking of it as the 4-way switch in the middle _always_ connects one in to one out, and the other in to the other out. When it's switched, that's still true, but it's just changing which in is connected to which out to the other possible way of doing that.
Came here looking for this comment.
🤙🏾
Rather horizontally, traveller to traveller ...
Thank you very much - I was stuck in the middle of a DIY project and you saved me!
Excellent video tutorials. It’s easy to follow especially the input and output of the 4-way switch. Perfect, I have the 4-way switch with level input and output.
Best video about the subjects; straight forward and concise. Just what I was looking for. Thank-you!!!
Man thanks so much for your time and effort in doing these videos! I really have been learning a lot and appreciate you!
Excellent explanation. Almost every video on CZcams says the black screw is always HOT. After trying to swap a switch and not have luck came across your video. In the first 3 min I figured out what I was doing wrong. Keep up the excellent work.
hands down the best detailed video om 3 way and 4 way switches. thanks alot bro
I currently been in school for the past 6 months and in this shortly video you’ve explained it far better then they have. Thank you man
WOW. I just re-wired an incorrect 3way/4way/3way hallway and nailed it on the first shot. Thanks to you, I know WIZARDRY! You’re the man.
When I was about 11 a friends house had a long hall with a three way at either end. I knew a bit about wiring and I was so puzzled about how this worked. Later I was in a hardware store and stumbled on three-way switches with wiring
diagrams on the package. I will never forget that Aha! moment!!!!
Thanks for the video!
Just a tip here. The diagram and explanation is great - but If you ever change out a combination 2 way and 3 way device in a crowded switch box make sure you take a photo of the wired device before you disconnect. You will regret it if you get distracted and forget which color conductor landed where. I have 2 3-ways and 2 4-ways in a back multifamily hallway and still only have 3 out of the 4 switches working (had to work with an assistant and took a half day - after an electrician tried to reconnect and then told me he would have to rewire the whole setup).
Can you do a video about replacing existing wiring and fishing wire tricks and tips? Thanks! Great videos.
I’m a new subscriber and currently working as an industrial electrical apprentice, man please don’t stop making CZcams vids, I’m learning so much from your videos, might be switching to a residential worker, right now I currently work on control panel wiring, (breakers, transformers, contractors) but your videos on switches and wiring them are really helpful and make me learn a lot. Please don’t stop making videos and hopefully you can start making consistent ones too cuz I really love your channel! Subscriber from Canada 🇨🇦
Super helpful video. The journeyman I work with is terrible at explaining this sort of stuff. This made it clear and understandable. Appreciate you doing this.
I appreciate all these simple and easy to understand videos
The 4 way switches sold locally do not work the way you describe. With reference to your diagram, In one position of the switch each bottom terminal is connected to the top terminal directly above it. In the other switch position, each bottom terminal is connected to the top terminal diagonally across from it. So there is no switch position where one bottom terminal is connected to the top terminally diagonally opposite from it and the other bottom terminal is NOT connected to the top terminal diagonally opposite it. You suggest at 5:48 that such a thing is possible. Are you describing a different kind of 4-way switch?
The wiring scheme you show does work for locally sold 4-way switches.
Bobo Cheverovsky Hell, I’d move then!
Sorry Harry, but Bobo is correct. Few people seem to understand what he is saying, but the irony is they don't really need to for it to still work. It's only their thinking that's broken- not the switch itself ;)
If 4 way switches were built the way the video explains- the entire configuration simply couldn't work as intended. Good job Bobo!
Thanks for the videos, I had to watch these for my comfort systems class and you made this so easy to understand. Thanks
Thanks for this video. Was doing the exact same replacement. Helped me get it done. The pico remote approach is really nice. One extra benefit of those when mounted in boxes is a lot of free space behind them for other switches in the same box.
Just watched this, you just helped me out a lot for my class later!!
You helped me solve a problem that’s been driving me crazy for over a year. Thanks you!
Great explanation! Following the path that electricity flows helps to visualize how to stop such flow by opening the switch contact points. Thanks for taking the time to put this lesson together 👍
Does anyone see this as wrong? At min 8:36 you would need to flip the two 3-way switches to make it work. His internals on the 4-way are wrong. It should toggle between chris-cross (X) and straight through (=) connectivity. That way you only ever need to flick one switch to complete the circuit.
I agree with you, James. I was going to make the same comment, but you said it better than I could. A four-way switch is a double-pole double throw (DPDT) switch. The poles either cross connect or straight connect. Then you can repeat as many of these as you need to complete the setup. The three way is a single-pole double-throw (SPDT) switch.
@@radickd2 you are correct and i commented on this up above, the 4 way "reverses the travellers" it is infact a dpdt switch with a builtin crossover or straight through function
Great description! Thanks for the video. The simplest description I’ve seen on CZcams.
I was an electrician the Marine Corps and since I EAS'd out, I stopped doing it but you channel is awesome!!!
This is amazing! I know I’m around like minded people, this got me excited to learn how it works.
Good morning my friend thanks for the videos Dustin
This guys is the best in the internet
great video, short and to the point! Now I can be more confident when I do some fire restoration electrical work! thanks. I always done my own electrical, aside from wiring our home when we built it, but never realized the magic was in the switch! Thanks a lot.
At my age, you have been the best teacher so far. Thanks for the entertaining knowledge brother. Keep up the wonderful spirit.
AWESOME video as always. If I could suggest something, I would recommend mentioning to viewers that they can add additional 4-way switches in the circuit if needed.
Rick and Morty! The most straightforward explanations are always the best.
Really good explanation. I’m always looking for other ways to learn the same stuff. Your channel has become a new source for information.
Hello, I need to add TWO 3-way switches to the same circuit. Basically, we have a double split level. Kitchen has stairs down to garage and stairs from garage down to basement.
We have a 3way already, for the garage interior lights with a single pole running to the led motion light on the exterior garage. The switches are currently located at the top of the steps into the kitchen and a double switch for the garage indoor and outdoor lights located in between the two garage doors.
We would like a 3way for the stairwell lights (1 in each well) with a 3way switch at the top of each stairwell. Next, we would like to keep the existing 3way that’s for the garage lights with the single pole for the exterior motion light.
thanks for the simple and clear explanation. much appreciated.
Thank you sir. Awesome explanation!
Very easy to understand. Thanks!
great explaining bro, we don't have 4 way switches in France, from 3 and more combined switches we use "telerupteurs" with are basically a relay system in the panel that can be commanded from as many push buttons as you want. The cool thing is you can have the push buttons only on the neutral therefor not hot wires travelling at users level, very recommended in say a day care center, school etc
I like your presentations and this one is no exception.
I was enthusiastic when your intro mentioned SCHEMATIC. Even tho it was not until 9:26 into the video that you began drawing schematic (vs. wiring) diagram.
Using Single-pole and Double-pole switches, fully labeled with common, normally open, and normally closed I think would enhance the discussion. (Sorry, but I am in the Electronic industry and its terminology/symbology.)
Excellent explanation. great way to learn.
Thanks very clean and easy to understand
Have just started school doing electrical and am trying my very best to lean as much as I can about it thank you for posting this video man it help me alot I wud really like you to post a video starting from A step how to wire a cercuit using sheated cable thank u very much👍
First time I’ve ever understood this. Lol! Thanks man!
Thanks for the help! I originally thought that on 4 way switches one black post was IN and the other black post was OUT The travelers would be the remaining two brass posts. Wrong! I am not the only one who got this WRONG.
What i thing you're awesome the way you explain all about electricity i enjoy watching you videos, keep it that bro
Thank you for the explanation, very helpful
One thing I struggle with as an industrial electrician is reading the wiring schematics. Would love to see a video on an easy/better way to break them down.
yep, same ..
I’ll get on it!
Grassy ass amigo
This was most helpful, thanks!!
Thanks bro. I like the way you teach/explain...... You the man! 👍
Yeah man, I'm getting u well and learning more things from this videos and I hope it will help me one day in future
Super sick simple. Thank you Dustin.
@ 5:36 he draws the path between the two terminals as an X, state that "you always have a path between the two terminals," then he says the path changes but does not diagram the circuit changes when the 4-way is switched. In his diagram the top left terminal is connected to the bottom right terminal and the other traveler is connected to the top right and lower left terminals. He needs a Volt Ohm Meter to check his diagram because he should show the travelers will connect as shown or from top right to bottom right and top left and bottom left, respectively as the switch changes position. X or ||. Good idea, also, to speak of SOURCE and LOAD as the switch(es) are used to control power between a source and a load.
Keep in mind, the terminal posts will be the same on both switches. Not mirrored like on the drawn switches.
Great video! I guess you can add as many 4-ways as you want in between the two 3-ways for additional switch locations? My current rental house has 5 (!!) switches controlling the same hallway light (one in each bedroom, one in the hallway). Ironically several of these are within arms reach of each other. 😂
thank you so much! i was struggling on how to wire a 4 way switch in circuit in class.... I think i finally understand now! im about to go to home depot and but the stuff to make a board to do this to make sure!!! Thank you so much! i love your channel! SUBSCRIBED!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for that explanation a 4:30. The drawing definitely helped! 😁
Excellent video. Thank you
Thanks for the video; one comment, please run neutral wires to switch gangs, even if not needed. It sure helps to add/upgrade to a smart switch device that requires a neutral wire to power itself.
How do I install a switch before a chimney? I have an incoming hot romex then my switch and the is the chimney, do I need a 3 way switch or a 2 way? And how would you lay it out? Thank you your videos are helping me so much man! Your way od teaching is very on point
Excellent teaching moment
Thanks for the time you put in to teach us thanks
Great explanation cannot be better
The fact that you just wire nut the neutrals at each box still blows my mind, but it makes sense.
Thanks for the valuable info about how to draw crossing wires. If planning schematics.
Actually I got it ...after watching it a second time, we good 👍. Thanks dude
You explained in 12 mins what my college profs took almost 2 hours to explain
Very helpful, thank you.
Excellent video!
First timer here... Subbed for the RaM tee lol...
Also , because, you are a very good teacher.
Can you do a video explaining how the electricity flows through a circuit? Like really dumbed down step by step
Taking a course in electrician assistant bro. These videos are so helpful keep them coming bro.
Rick and Morty fan much? Lol
TEXAS!!! I WISH I WAS THERE.
F***king ppl in FLORIDA are not exactly the brightest bulb
..... but whatever it takes balls to twist into jumpers G-N-G
Thanks bro for ur knowledge it helps out you clarified the 3 way switching for me thank you
thanks for sharing this! it is very easy to understand
Always excellent content bro. Thanks for taking the time , all the time.
Thanks for the aha moment too... It came when you said hot side and leg side. ooohhh....
this is crazy good. thanks
Love your videos you make it pretty easy to understand. Do you have videos for reading schematic diagrams?
This intro music is better than the current one.
Awesome man. You explained it really well. Thanks !
Wow your diagram is easy to understand. AHA indeed!
I do not understand the nomenclature ... they 3-way switch only has "two ways" of connecting. The 4-way switch is, I understand, a DPDT switch (Double Pole Double Throw) and the explanation of its connection was deficient if so.
If the light is on and you switch it of at the hot end, then back on at the leg end the power will flow through the opposite diagonal of the "4-way", so to work both diagonals must be connected.
If you then switch the light off at the "4-way" it must still have two routes through as if not switching the hot or leg end would not restore the light?
The easiest way to describe a DPDT switch is it connects the terminals in an X pattern (as shown) or as = (not shown).
If the "4-way" route is switched (note it is neither specifically off or on) then there are still two routes through it for the "3-way" switches to choose.
When he switched the "4-way" he should have rubbed out the X and connected the Commons and the Travellers ???
A "3-way" switch is a SPDT (Single Pole Double Throw) switch.
An on/off switch is a SPST (Single Pole Single Throw) switch.
An Isolating switch, used to cut both Hot and Neutral, is a DPST (Double Pole Single Throw) switch.
I learned about DPDT switches when I was very young as they were used for reversing DC electric model trains.
It was important to use switches with a central off position or "break before make" switches as "make before break" switches would give a dead short whilst being thrown.
Most (?) model train controllers have reversing by turning the knob in a different direction or having the switching beyond the stop position ... to prevent you reversing the engine at speed ... something we, when kids, had great fun doing.
In the (AC) electrical system shown the legs are only ever 'hot' or dead so "make before break" is not a problem!
PS I am in the UK but lived from 2-10 in South Africa where I lesrned about electrical switches from my English father so I cannot be sure that "DPDT" nomenclature is common ... but it does describe the switching functionality simply.
Awesome video Dustin!!
Wow! 😳
Amazing, bro! 👏🏼 😁
My understanding...🚀
Thank you so much! 👊🏼
I appreciate you, sir. 💯
Nicely explained man! Well Done.
Very well explained! Thank you!