Understanding multi-way circuits – INSTEON SWITCHLINC 2476D User Manual

Page 8

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INSTEON SwitchLinc V2 Dimmer User’s Guide

Installing SwitchLinc Dimmer in a Multi-Way Circuit

Understanding Multi-Way Circuits

If more than one switch controls a single set of lights (called a LOAD), the switches are part of a multi-way
circuit. A 3-way circuit uses two switches to control a LOAD, a 4-way circuit uses three switches, and so
forth. Most homes have one or more 3-way circuits, with two switches located in hallways, stairwells, or
two different entrances to a room. Less commonly found are circuits that are 4-way or above.

You can use SwitchLinc Dimmers to replace switches in multi-way circuits that are already wired in, or
you can use them to create virtual multi-way circuits where there is no existing wiring.

Here is how a wired-in three-way circuit (with two switches) works:

w

es added in the

o learn more abo

-way circuits, go to Google.com or another search engine on the Internet and





Switch 2





Switch 1

LINE

Black*

NEUTRAL

White*

TRAVELER 1
Red* or Blue*

TRAVELER 2

Black*

LOAD

Red*

Main Panel

120 VAC

Light

Fixture(s)


NOTE

Wire colors
marked with a *
are the usual
colors and may
differ in some
homes.

A

ired-in four- or more-way circuit (with three or more switches) has additional switch

middle of the circuit. In the diagram below, the additional switch is shown in one position in the upper box
and in the other position below.


Switch 3+




Switch 2




Switch 1



LINE

Black*

NEUTRAL

White*

LOAD

Red*




Light

Fixture(s)

Main Panel

120 VAC

T

ut multi

enter the search terms “three-way switch” or “four-way switch.”

Page 8 of 35

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