SwitchLinc Dimmer 1000W User’s Guide
Page 8 of 36
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:
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.”
