Wiring light switches in parallel

There is very few circumstances in which multiple switches in series would be desired.

Switches wired in series require all switches to be in the on position for the circuit to be on, when any one switch is off the circuit is off regardless of the position of the other switch.

Now at the moment I think of one possible usage for this, and that is for a cut off switch for the furnace, this switch is often labeled with the ‘ON’ position on the faceplate.

Light switch wiring diagram

Light switch wiring diagram

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In an emergency you want without a doubt know where the off position is. If you desire a cut off in two different locations 3 way switches is not the answer as there is no definitive position of 3 way switches as to off and on. If you wire two basic switches wired in series you can position these switches so that on is always with the switch up and off is always with the switch down, both switches must be on for the circuit to be on.