Crossover Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection Procedure
In this article, we are going to see the Wiring Diagram and Connection Procedure of a Crossover switch. A crossover switch is also known as a "three-way switch" or "four-way switch" in different regions or countries.
It is basically an electrical DPDT(Double Pole Double Throw) switch used to control a single light fixture or an electrical device from two or more different locations. It allows you to turn the light on or off from multiple switch points, providing added convenience and flexibility.
The term "crossover" comes from the fact that the switch allows the electrical current to cross over between two or more switch locations. This enables you to control the same light or device from different spots in a room or area, such as from the top and bottom of a staircase, different entrances to a room, or opposite ends of a hallway.
Remember that the crossover switch is known as 4-way DPDT switch in North America, USA, and NEC following countries. The crossover switch is also known as the Intermediate switch or 3-Way DPDT switch in the UK and IEC following countries.
Wiring Diagram
Here you can see the wiring diagram of a crossover switch where it is connected with two three-way switches and a light.
The above arrangements allow us to control the light from three different places. If you want to control the light from more places then just add more crossover switches. One new addition of crossover switch for one more operating place. When you add an extra switch you have to connect the output of the first crossover switch to the input of the new crossover switch. Then the output of the new crossover switch should be connected to the input of the last three-way switch.
Connection Procedure
The crossover switch is to be installed in the middle of two three-way switches.
1. Each three-way switch has three terminals - one common (COM) terminal and two traveler (T1 and T2) terminals. Connect the Phase or Line terminal of the power source (from your electrical panel or the previous switch in the circuit) to the common terminal of the first three-way switch.
2. Connect the traveler terminals of the first three-way switch to the one-side traveler terminals of the crossover switch.
3. Connect another side traveler terminals of the crossover switch to the traveler terminals of the second three-way switch that is installed after the crossover switch.
4. Now Connect the common terminal of the second three-way switch to the phase terminal of the light.
5. Connect the neutral terminal of the light to the neutral terminal of the power source directly.
6. Connect ground to all the switches and the light(if have a ground point)
Operation
1. Let,s assume the light is in off condition.
2. If you operate the first three-way switch, the light will be turned ON.
3. After that if you operate the crossover switch the light will be turned OFF.
4. After that if you operate the second three-way switch the light will be turned ON again.
In summary, the crossover switch (four-way switch) acts as an intermediate switch that allows the traveler wires to cross over and change the path of the current between all three switches, thereby controlling the light from any of the three switch locations can be achieved.
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Crossover Switch Wiring Diagram and Connection Procedure
Reviewed by Author
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August 12, 2023
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Reviewed by Author
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August 12, 2023
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