Backlit 110v light switch: does it exist?

[vavet]

The door leading from the house to garage has no windows. I have to open the door to make sure the light is turned off. It’s a 3 way switch. The first switch is located inside house. The other switch is located next to the man door between the garage and outside. If it was a conventional switch, I could trust the switch position to tell me if the light was on or off.

I know I’ve seen switches that are backlit, but do they light up when the circuit is on or off or all the time? Are they compatible with a 3 way switch situation? My preference would be for he backlight to be on when the circuit is on.

If I’m not mistaken, with a 3 way switch, one is a master and the other is a subordinate. Does it matter which location this switch would be? My guess is that it would be the master since there are two other switches in that switch box, but I’m not really sure.

 

[vavet]

I should mention another preference....the conventional switch type, not the decora.

 

[PCustoms]

I'm confused....

If you're looking at the switch to see if it's lighted, wouldn't you see if the lights were on?

Or do you want the switch at the house to be lit when the shop lights are on?

Maybe just put a small exterior light on the same circuit.

 

[Bert_]

Yes they make them. It's not going to be a residential switch though, have to go commercial. Pilot lighted switch is the term.

Here's one

PS20AC3CPL

Depending on what you have for wires in the box it may not work for you.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Needs a neutral wire. If you dont have one in the box then no can do.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I have a single. Regular residential switch that lights when it is off.
Could have bought 3-ways too. Residential versions were available of those also.
Orchard Supply in summer of 2018.

 

[californiaHank]

Ones that light when the switch is 'off' are sometimes called 'indicator switches' to distinguish them from 'pilot light' switches that are illuminated when the switch is 'on'.

Here's a basic indicator switch from Leviton intended for residential use:

https://www.leviton.com/en/products/1461-lc

 

[vavet]

I'm confused....

If you're looking at the switch to see if it's lighted, wouldn't you see if the lights were on?

Or do you want the switch at the house to be lit when the shop lights are on?

Maybe just put a small exterior light on the same circuit.

Let me try to clarify.
The lights I'm concerned about are in the garage. The switch where I want the indication is in the house. I can't see in the garage from the house without opening the door. The second switch is in the garage.

 

[dogdog]

Needs a neutral wire. If you dont have one in the box then no can do.

I think these lighted 3 way switch uses those neon bulbs for AC only voltages., doesn't require neutral
Wifi or the like OTOH will require neutral.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...uminated-Switch-White-R72-05613-2WS/100356855

https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/61/61d9b066-02a0-4c09-9c91-e45911108a28.pdf

 

[pattenp]

There are illuminated switches when off that don't require a neutral. I have one that's on a 3way to see the switch in the dark.
Thinking more about it, it puts a minute amount of current on the ground for the switch to glow. May not be available anymore because of code.
Actually here's one I found.. Leviton R50-01463-0LC

 

[Bert_]

There are illuminated switches when off that don't require a neutral. I have one that's on a 3way to see the switch in the dark.
Thinking more about it, it puts a minute amount of current on the ground for the switch to glow. May not be available anymore because of code.
Actually here's one I found.. Leviton R50-01463-0LC

No current on the ground. Those switches work by connecting the neon lamp across the switch terminals. When the switch is on there is no voltage. When the switch is off the neon lights because it is in series with the light on the ceiling. The light on the ceiling does not light because the current is very small.

That is not the type of switch the op is looking for.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

There are illuminated switches when off that don't require a neutral. I have one that's on a 3way to see the switch in the dark.
Thinking more about it, it puts a minute amount of current on the ground for the switch to glow. May not be available anymore because of code.
Actually here's one I found.. Leviton R50-01463-0LC

He wants the opposite. He wants a switch thats lit when the lights are on NOT off.

 

[pattenp]

He wants the opposite. He wants a switch thats lit when the lights are on NOT off.

It still gives an indication that the lights are either on or off.

 

[vavet]

The Leviton webpage has a disclaimer that says LEDs or CFLs might flicker when the switch is off when using one of their “illuminated off” switches. I have led tube fixtures in the garage.

I think I understand why this happens with an “illuminated off” switch. If I do, then it makes sense that that you would not have the flicker with an “illuminated on” switch....but I also know my understanding on electrical theory isn’t solid.

Can anyone confirm that this is not a problem? Or can you tell me how bad it is with the “illuminated off” switches?

 

[SALIV8]

Heres a perfect solution.

Time to buy a wyze security cam ($25) and now you have security, two way talking, and a way to verify if you left the lights on. All you need is wifi and an outlet.

They are awesome. Probably not much more than a switch.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

wyze cameras are junk. their firmware is atrocious. buy a decent camera

 

[pattenp]

The Leviton webpage has a disclaimer that says LEDs or CFLs might flicker when the switch is off when using one of their “illuminated off” switches. I have led tube fixtures in the garage.

I think I understand why this happens with an “illuminated off” switch. If I do, then it makes sense that that you would not have the flicker with an “illuminated on” switch....but I also know my understanding on electrical theory isn’t solid.

Can anyone confirm that this is not a problem? Or can you tell me how bad it is with the “illuminated off” switches?

I have a Hubbell brand illuminated when off switch with LED bulbs and there is no issue with the LED bulbs flickering. I can't say that's the case with any type/brand switch or LED bulb.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

On is off
Vs on is on. Vs off is on
Not sure why either one would not work.
Once you know the condition for the switch why does it matter? Other than personal preference?

 

[SALIV8]

wyze cameras are junk. their firmware is atrocious. buy a decent camera

I love mine. Had it at least a couple years now and no prob whatsoever. Super cheap with no monthly fees. App works great, clear hd picture with no lag, and I have no complaints.

Can’t beat that for $25.

Don’t know about the firmware tho.

 

[The Cobbler]

I'm amazed. 19 posts & no one has mentioned 120v

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I'm amazed. 19 posts & no one has mentioned 120v

Thread winner!

 

[walta]

If the OP wants a light to be on with the garage light it may not be possible using the existing wiring.

Walta

 

[dogdog]

The Leviton webpage has a disclaimer that says LEDs or CFLs might flicker when the switch is off when using one of their “illuminated off” switches. I have led tube fixtures in the garage.

I think I understand why this happens with an “illuminated off” switch. If I do, then it makes sense that that you would not have the flicker with an “illuminated on” switch....but I also know my understanding on electrical theory isn’t solid.

Can anyone confirm that this is not a problem? Or can you tell me how bad it is with the “illuminated off” switches?

I think those are related to the cheap capacitor dropper supply on the LEDs... I believe BigClive have covered this few years ago...when this was a topic.. when LEDs first come out.

 

[captain14]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peephole

If all you want to do is check the lights why not just install a peephole in the back door?