Electrical question, to add a light to a switch.

[Lemosteam]

I have the switch below and I use it to control my small glue gun. I have arrows indicating the on position, but I want a more visual indicator. Obviously, the plug/switch is 110, and rated for 15a. How can I light this thing on th on position, without tons of electronics?

I am reminded of my 110 electrical tester with the orangish indicator to show existing current when the two probes are pushed into the socket, black side and white. If I were to scavenge the bulb from one, could I just power it on the switched side (closed) and cut a window in the housing out the side?



https://www.acehardware.com/departments/lighting-and-electrical/extension-cords-and-power-strips/electrical-outlet-adapters/3534229

[Chris333]

Wire a 12V LED. When you turn it on there will be a loud pop sound to tell you it is on. 

[nickelplate759]

You can buy the same kind of a switch but with a pilot light built into the rocker. Costs about 10 bucks on Amazon. Probably easier than trying to figure out how to wire a pilot light into it, maybe cheaper too!

[Steveruger45]

Here are some
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBPRG1R/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9ocXBfc2hhcmVk&th=1

[C855B]

I agree with the others. Buy the ready-made switch with the built-in pilot light. I have several. Very handy!

[peteski]

The orange glow is from an old-fashion neon bulb.  If you want to roll your own, here they are (including the current limiting resistor, just like you do with LEDs).  https://theelectronicgoldmine.com/products/g27429

But like others, I recommend just buying a switch with a built-in indicator light.

[Lemosteam]

What’s better than free, plus some soldering, using parts you already own?

Seriously though, thanks for the warnings and help. I am more comfortable areund 110v than I am with electronics.

The switch is not complicated at all. Just a matter of running the lamp’s leads to the proper terminals.



Added a hot glue lens to the hole for the light and wha-lah!

[Sumner]

Good work.

I added one to my power strip that....





... is on the soldering station I use at the layout.  Had the 110 to 5 volt converter so used it. 

At the workbench I have a large 110v red LED bulb that is on anytime there is power to the iron.  Both save me from leaving the shop with a hot iron still on.

Sumner

[peteski]

To me that seems like a bit of an overkill Sumner: Using a USB charger just to power an LED.  But hey, if that works for you  . . .
But isn't the power switch on that strip already illuminated?    Double indicator?

[Sumner]

I have a number of those 5v chargers laying around so no expense there.  Hard to see in the picture but the LED is a lot more visible.  I do get paranoid about burning the place down as I get older so don't mind going overboard on this.

Sumner

[Lemosteam]

I use mine to power a glue gun that has no auto shutoff. If I forget to unplug it it stays on all night. The visual will help me see that it is still on. Otherwise it is only the switch position.

[nickelplate759]

Thinking out "loud" (well, my keyboard is noisy) here...

TP-Link and others make "smart" (meaning internet-connected, but actually still dumb) outlet adapters that can be remotely switched on and off - and some of them can handle a full 15A load.   I use one for my coffee pot, for example.


You could set one to automatically turn off your soldering iron every night (as a failsafe), but only turn it on manually.
And you could check to see if you left it on while you are at the beach (assuming you have cell service).

[Lemosteam]

Thinking out "loud" (well, my keyboard is noisy) here...

TP-Link and others make "smart" (meaning internet-connected, but actually still dumb) outlet adapters that can be remotely switched on and off - and some of them can handle a full 15A load.   I use one for my coffee pot, for example.


You could set one to automatically turn off your soldering iron every night (as a failsafe), but only turn it on manually.
And you could check to see if you left it on while you are at the beach (assuming you have cell service).

Two words: I’m a cheap a$$hat. Ok that’s four.

PLUS, I’m tired of automation and connectivity. I believe that memory loss prevention starts with, remembering, even if it takes visual clues!

[peteski]

I have a number of those 5v chargers laying around so no expense there.  Hard to see in the picture but the LED is a lot more visible.  I do get paranoid about burning the place down as I get older so don't mind going overboard on this.

Sumner

On a second look, even the soldering iron has an indicator light on it.  Triple reminder!  LOL!

[Sumner]

On a second look, even the soldering iron has an indicator light on it.  Triple reminder!  LOL!

I'm pretty oblivious to that light on the iron itself.  Since you seem to have an interest in my warning lights    I may as well throw in some of the other ones that remind me that I have soldering irons on, hot wire foam cutters on and/or the layout power on.



The light above is at the work station where I do a lot of soldering.



The light above is on any time I'm using the hot wire foam cutters. Not a good idea to leave the work area with one of them on.



The light above is not so much a safety issue. It lets me know if the power supplies for the track boosters and for the 5 volt power or on. The shop is large so it is nice to look back before I go in the house and see if there are any red lights burning.

Sorry about the thread drift....

Sumner