Small indicator light inside junction box?

MattStanton · Jan 3, 2021

Moved into an older Lake House in Morristown, NJ. Trying to figure out what this lightbulb inside the juntion box is all about. Anybody know what this type of switch/indicator light was used for back in the day?

[ElectriciansForums.net] Small indicator light inside junction box?

Megawatt · Jan 4, 2021

MattStanton said:
Moved into an older Lake House in Morristown, NJ. Trying to figure out what this lightbulb inside the juntion box is all about. Anybody know what this type of switch/indicator light was used for back in the day?

View attachment 63461

Matt that’s funny and I don’t have a clue on what that ugly light was installed for. I guess I’m not that old

telectrix · Jan 4, 2021

before neons were invented?

snowhead · Jan 4, 2021

Can the light be seen when the front plate is over the switch?
Is the light controlled by that switch and does that switch control any other lights?
Would that light be On when the switch is in the normal Off position?
Is the switch inside or outside the house?
I can only think it's there to show where the switch is

telectrix · Jan 4, 2021

if it's wired directly across the switch, it's a locator for the switch. (light on when switch is off).

DPG · Jan 4, 2021

Looks a bit DIY to me. Maybe a home made nightlight?

Maji236 · Jan 12, 2021

MattStanton said:
Moved into an older Lake House in Morristown, NJ. Trying to figure out what this lightbulb inside the juntion box is all about. Anybody know what this type of switch/indicator light was used for back in the day?

View attachment 63461

This is a lightbulb that would tell you if something is on, (usually an outside light or boiler/heater power). The cover plate would have had an opaque, colored or clear plastic over that space. The space where the toggle or push button would go, a push-in piece would be there. So when it's lit, you could see it.
We have lighted switches now.
Looks like there's still old BX or knob/tube wire still attached. Judging from the box too, could be from the 1940's or 50's