4 way switch - can I move the load in the middle ?
- Thread starter Weedwaka
- Start date
Mellotron
Well-known member
Negative. 3WS and 4WS rely on the interaction of two poles down the chain. The load has to be on the last switch in the chain where the poles converge.
bradleys
Well-known member
Weedwaka,
If you're looking for flexibility in your switch positions and wiring, you might consider installing a low-voltage relay system. They've been around for decades, mostly in commercial buildings.
If you google around, most of what you'll find is large multi-relay panels with fancy capabilities. However, what you really need is just the relays themselves. The GE RR7 relay is available for about $40.
The relay is a "latching" type, which goes from ON to OFF or OFF to ON, depending on which of the leads (ON, OFF, COMMON) is pulsed. You just need a low voltage SPDT momentary contact switch at each location, which is connected to the relay with low-voltage wire, with a 24V transformer in the circuit. This relay is probably acceptable for your wiring code inspectors, if needed.
I have three zones of lighting in my new 50x74 shop which I wanted to be switched from doors at each end of the shop. Three relays, transformer, low voltage wire, and low-voltage switches were cheaper than hooking up full voltage 3-way switches. Since the control is only 24V, with low current, it can be used with various other switching options, like internet switches.
Depending on how much trifling around you need to change your existing circuit, this might be an option for you.
If you're looking for flexibility in your switch positions and wiring, you might consider installing a low-voltage relay system. They've been around for decades, mostly in commercial buildings.
If you google around, most of what you'll find is large multi-relay panels with fancy capabilities. However, what you really need is just the relays themselves. The GE RR7 relay is available for about $40.
The relay is a "latching" type, which goes from ON to OFF or OFF to ON, depending on which of the leads (ON, OFF, COMMON) is pulsed. You just need a low voltage SPDT momentary contact switch at each location, which is connected to the relay with low-voltage wire, with a 24V transformer in the circuit. This relay is probably acceptable for your wiring code inspectors, if needed.
I have three zones of lighting in my new 50x74 shop which I wanted to be switched from doors at each end of the shop. Three relays, transformer, low voltage wire, and low-voltage switches were cheaper than hooking up full voltage 3-way switches. Since the control is only 24V, with low current, it can be used with various other switching options, like internet switches.
Depending on how much trifling around you need to change your existing circuit, this might be an option for you.
Thats an idea.
By the time I do a loop through all 3 switches and then catch the lights I am at almost 200 ' on each circuit. I may just run 1 circuit this way with 12 awg wire and have a panel in the center of the garage that fires up just the bay lights.
By the time I do a loop through all 3 switches and then catch the lights I am at almost 200 ' on each circuit. I may just run 1 circuit this way with 12 awg wire and have a panel in the center of the garage that fires up just the bay lights.