The 3-way/4-way

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rattus

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For the benefit of those confused by the previous posting of the "Economical" 3-way switch circuit, here is clean diagram of said circuit. It is said that a picture is worth 1000 words. Well, a simple picture is worth even more. It is shown with the load energized.

3way7.gif


It is clear that switches A & B connect the "COM' bus to either the "HOT" or "LOAD" bus. Ditto for switches C & D. It is also clear that flipping any one switch either energizes or deenergizes the "LOAD" bus.

Is this not crystal clear?

[ January 01, 2005, 12:50 AM: Message edited by: rattus ]
 
Re: The 3-way/4-way

A :cool: schematic that works is one thing. There are many.

But, in order to be "economical" in the field, a practical cable layout/box fill is the most important consideration.

I would argue (again) that all of the practical cable layouts are based on this schematic.

Ed

3way6.gif
 
Re: The 3-way/4-way

Rattus,

The switching circuit that you show offers a clarity for visual conceptualization, as my eyes look at it.

It is, a slightly different physical hookup, however.

Your arrangement indicates the use of four wires between all four switches, and permits tapping a switched luminaire or an unswitched branch circuit extension off of any of the four switches.

My example only has that capbility between two switches.
img33.jpg

This array was named the "Travelling Bus 3 way" by Bennie.

The real difference is the three-wire is a more common cable to have on the truck.

[ January 01, 2005, 12:21 PM: Message edited by: al hildenbrand ]
 
Re: The 3-way/4-way

Al,
your example is in a few of the electrical 'how to' books that can be found at Home Depot.
But of course they don't carry the wire that is spec'd in the books that they sell.
 
Re: The 3-way/4-way

Al, this is a schematic diagram; you can run the wires any way you please as long as you stick to the code. And, schematically it is equivalent to your diagram.
 
Re: The 3-way/4-way

Ed,

First, thanks for the help with my diagram. Your circuit is the classic way to solve the problem and any electrician should be able to install and/or troubleshoot it.

I might add also that both circuits allow the use of any number of 4-way switches.
 
Re: The 3-way/4-way

Rattus

Thats a very clean and clear schematic.I think it shows the switching configuration very good.It is much easier to use for trouble shooting the circuit. :)

My reference to Als switch is just for discussion and fun I would never use it. :)

[ January 02, 2005, 08:17 PM: Message edited by: ronaldrc ]
 
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