Understanding multi-way circuits – Smarthome NSTEON KEYPADLINK 2486D User Manual

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INSTEON KeypadLinc V2 Dimmer User’s Guide

Installing KeypadLinc 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 KeypadLinc Dimmers to replace switches in existing multi-way circuits, or you can use them
to create virtual multi-way circuits without the need to run additional wiring.

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

A wired-in four- or more-way circuit (with three or more switches) has additional switches added in the
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.

To learn more about multi-way circuits, go to Google.com or another search engine on the Internet and
enter the search terms “three-way switch” or “four-way switch.”

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