closet light swith

[rlwhitetr3b]

We have a closet where the door fits so tightly you can't tell if the light is on when the door is closed. I want a switch that shows when the light is on. Having one that is lit when off would mean that we would have to remember to notice something that is missing.

What type of switch do I need?

 

[mm08822]

Leviton​

1/25W-125V Combination Switch with Neon Pilot Light, White 5226-WS​

 

[FrankLee]

I use this one for my attic light.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LEHNQE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PCustoms]

Why not wire a doorjamb switch?

 

[wssix99]

They also sell lighted switches in the Decora form:

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

Leviton​

1/25W-125V Combination Switch with Neon Pilot Light, White 5226-WS​

That was the one I saw. Thanks!

 

[BillK]

The problem with lighted switches is that they usually need a neutral. Most switch runs just break the hot wire going to the light. You need to pull the switch that you have now and look to see how it is wired and if there is a neutral in the box.

 

[njride]

Here's a good swith plate

 

[sparky 1971]

I put a 15 minute max timer on the wife's closet light.

https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-SW15MWK-15-Minute-Spring-Wound/dp/B00LBHB21M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[larry4406]

Why not wire a doorjamb switch?

The jamb switches I have installed are a PIA to notch the trim, the adjacent stud, etc. Granted, these were retrofits.

 

[PCustoms]

The jamb switches I have installed are a PIA to notch the trim, the adjacent stud, etc. Granted, these were retrofits.

I could see that. Typically installing any switch receptacle after the fact is more involved

OP could also do a timer or occupancy/motion bulb or switch.

That red indicator would look too out of place for me

 

[mike93lx]

I could see that. Typically installing any switch receptacle after the fact is more involved

OP could also dona timer or occupancy/motion bulb or switch.

That red indicator would look too out of place for me

And with an LED light, the cost of letting the light stay on won't outweigh the cost of the switch until you get into a year+ of runtime

 

[PCustoms]

And with an LED light, the cost of letting the light stay on won't outweigh the cost of the switch until you get into a year+ of runtime

I was thinking that too, unless its an infrequently used closet I'd probably just leave it alone

 

[PCustoms]

First hit on Google

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maxxima-6-in-1-Light-White-Motion-Sensor-Integrated-LED-Flush-Mount-MCL-710600W/312910504

 

[niget2002]

I put a 15 minute max timer on the wife's closet light.

https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-SW15MWK-15-Minute-Spring-Wound/dp/B00LBHB21M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That's what I did. Same with laundry room and bathroom fan that she likes to leave on too.

 

[danfromsyr]

in my garage and basement I have a Motion sensor LED bulb,
it just screws into the socket and I leave the circuit on
it's really quite handy. I put them at the far side from the entrance.

there are 2 types a 'radar' and 'infrared'
the radar can see me through the door so it's on before I get there..
you wouldn't want one of those.

 

[BigGarage]

Leviton​

1/25W-125V Combination Switch with Neon Pilot Light, White 5226-WS​

When the fold-up stairs are closed I cannot see the lights in the attic in my garage. I used one of these pilot lights so I notice it when I walk out of the garage.

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

The jamb switches I have installed are a PIA to notch the trim, the adjacent stud, etc. Granted, these were retrofits.

Also our house is already finished so I would have to open the wall where the current switch is and the inside of the close to run wires from the light to the jam switch.

 

[PWC Repair]

I feel the root of the problem needs addressed. Eat more antioxidants and start playing memory games like Simon Sez! LOL!!!

 

[dave*99]

Scrolling slowly, I see things differently.

 

[rlwhitetr3b]

The problem with lighted switches is that they usually need a neutral. Most switch runs just break the hot wire going to the light. You need to pull the switch that you have now and look to see how it is wired and if there is a neutral in the box.

From what I just watched on line, a code change in 2010 required a neutral in the switch box. I house was built in 2008, but our electrician seems to have run power to the switch box and then to the light. I checked and I'm good to go.

 

[JohnX14]

For a simple closet light switch in a bedroom, can you just look and see if it is on or off? We used indicator light switches for attics, etc, back in the 80's and prior. With all due respect, up is on, down is off. For a simple closet light....

 

[rawen2]

For a simple closet light switch in a bedroom, can you just look and see if it is on or off? We used indicator light switches for attics, etc, back in the 80's and prior. With all due respect, up is on, down is off. For a simple closet light....

If it's a standard toggle style switch you could color the bottom side of the toggle with red sharpie or nail polish. It will be visible when the switch is up and be hidden when the switch is down. Won't work as well with a decora style switch although you could color the thin side edges of the toggle.