Can I replace 2-3way switches with 2-4way switches as I have a couple of new 4ways just sitting around and the 3way switches are the older style ( every other switch in the house is the new style)
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Seems like a strange question as most 3-way switches can be installed as 4-way switches (multi). The only time I've seen this not be the case is with a z-wave device, but I don't do this kind of stuff often. What exactly are you trying to replace and with what?– virtualxtcCommented Mar 26, 2014 at 17:04
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Right now I have toggle style 3way switches, but all others in the house are the new push switches. I have new 4way push switches and was just wondering if I can replace the 3 with the 4.– user20676Commented Mar 26, 2014 at 18:13
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my guess is the toggles you have can be used as 4-ways as well; but that's not really your question. bcworkz pretty much answers your question; one connection on your 4-way will just be left empty.– virtualxtcCommented Mar 26, 2014 at 18:43
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3 Answers
Sure, a 4-way is essentially two 3-ways in one device. Usually a 4 way switch has 2 (IN) screws and 2 (OUT) screws. Using one of the (IN) terminals is the same as the common terminal on a 3 way. And using the (OUT) terminals is the same as the traveler terminals on a 3 way. Connect the travellers to the (OUT) terminals, then connect the power or light wire to one of the remaining (IN) terminals, leaving the other empty.
Background Information (if anyone cares)
The following illustration demonstrates the internal workings of each type of switch in a conventional installation. You should be able to see how a 4-way (middle )is functionally two 3-ways (left and right switches) overlaid.
A fourwsay is not two threeways in one device. It can be described as complimentary single pole switches. It is possible but you would not leave a terminal unused. You would tie the common wire to the two non-continuos terminals.
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1A four-way can easily be made from two three-ways by tying their handles together and adding a couple of jumpers. (Of course you would only do this on a laboratory breadboard, not in your home wiring.) - So a four-way is like two three-ways, in an essential way. Commented Dec 6, 2021 at 0:34
A 4way switch will not work in place of a 3way. The common toggle (in), whether up or down on a 3way switch, comes in contact with both switch leg (out) terminals. A 4way switch will not accomplish this. The 4way is more like two "separate" single gang switches, they will not work in unison as one.
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3This is just wrong. A four-way switch can easily be used as a three-way switch. bcworkz has even provided a diagram showing how to do it. Commented Dec 6, 2021 at 0:24
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3No @Community this cannot be improved with additional details. It is fundamentally wrong. It can only be "improved" by being re-written to a correct answer, a definitive one of which was already nearly eight years ago.– nobodyCommented Dec 6, 2021 at 1:26