this post was submitted on 05 Jan 2026
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There's a light-switch in my flat that has a red light in the fitting that illuminates when you switch it on. It doesn't turn on any light in the place. I have no idea what is for. As a Steven Wright fan, I flick it on and off occasionally hoping I get a call from some woman in Germany saying "cut it out."
Edit: after posting this I saw someone else had made the same joke, but fuck it, I'm leaving it up. Who knew there were other fans of a thirty year old album here?
It's the switch for the red light, of course. Installed by the previous tenant, named Roxanne.
She didn't have to put on the red light.
Many rooms in my place have light switches tied to outlets. Usually just a single switched plug per room. I know where they all are now but it would have been good if there was a little light icon on each plug.
Still, now that I know, I'm not sure I actually want to add that icon, since I know where it is and I'll either plug in a light (in which case I know easily) or I won't (in which case I don't care).
Some electricians install the receptacles upside-down if they're switched.
I hate that. I would flip them around the first time I encountered that. There are many things that can be done, from switch covers to lighted/unlighted/colored switches next to each other. All better and more foolproof options
Maybe a porch or outside light.
Nope. I know where the switch for that is.
My bet is that it is for some appliance you can't hear or see turning on. Possibly a power outlet in a weird place for permenantly installed appliances
I leave it turned off and it doesn't seem to affect anything, and I'm in a small 1 bedroom flat without any appliances that it might connect to. It really is a mystery.
Possibly for the kitchen, like a light tgat ypu could mount under the cupoards or for a vent
Nope. It's nowhere near the kitchen, and my place isn't that sophisticated. It's in the living room in the same vicinity as the switches for that and two lights in the garage. I thought it might be for something in the garage, but I haven't found anything that it affects in there.
I'm starting to enjoy this guessing game we've got going.
That was my guess because the flat I live in (80s East German) has one just like that.
Living room could mean that there was the idea of a light for a dining table. Otherwise a power socket outside, on the terrace for example or an outside light? Garage door opener maybe?
If you really want to find out, I think you'll need to "play" around with your safety box and that particular switch
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