ShadowTek wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@shadowtek.localdomain:
My husband placed a bracket over the switch we should keep ON. You can still get at it from the side, but it's mainly there to remind us not to turn it OFF.
It's shapped as in this image:
You might also make do with a piece of scotch or masking tape.
Just use a metal switch plate and hook the hot wire to it, that should discourage most folks.
I agree this is the way to go. I don't have a catalog but it is the third switch illustrated on this page:
Thanks Tom. That's good news for someone who doesn't have the capability of making one like I did. I don't think I spent more than 10 minutes on it and I would have used far more time (and a few bucks) shopping for one.
Jeff
to
Look for 'thermostat tamper guard' or 'switch tamper guard' online. These are the clear plastic boxes like over classroom thermostats. They sell many sizes and shapes, and they aren't terribly expensive. Just find a style with a 2-position lock or a removable lock cylinder, so you don't have to mess with hunting for a key. Being clear, they won't look TOO industrial, but they will get the message across.
Or you could easily make your own- a scrap of plexi with polished edges big enough to cover the switch plate, a 'picture frame' rectangle of hardwood with an opening the same size and the appropriate finish to go with the trim in the room, and a metal or plastic piano hinge in the appropriate color to hold the the top edge of the plexi so it falls shut when not in use. If you make it so the plexi sits in a rabbit, you may want a knob or finger hole to aid in opening it. If you don't want to mess with the piano hinge, and have access to a table saw, make the picture frame/plexi a little bigger, and slot the wood so the front panel rides in it. Fasten it to one edge to use as a handle, so you can slide it open to reach the switches, but not drop it on the floor. Think office-style room number/door signs with the slide-out panel so you can stick your own printed sign inside, and still have it look fancy and be protected from finger prints. (Or as we call them, the cell number/prisoner ID signs.)
In short, although I realize these group brainstorming sessions are fun, don't over-think this. There are dozens of approaches that would work, from commercial off-the-shelf, to creative modification of something like a small picture frame, to total home-brew. (Given an hour, I could probably make one from stuff laying around here, and I don't even have a shop, just a mound of junk and tools in the basement.) The suggestions above would likely be cheapest, and not require altering the wiring. They are also easily reversible, if SWMBO or next owner decides that ugly outweighs the protection offered.
I'm still not certian what they meant by 'lock', so I was obviously not "lead" to the point where they wanted me to go, which would constitute a "mis".
The difference in comparing a term used in a technical issue to an instance of emotional expression is self evident, and proves your worth to this group.
*plonk*
I'm still not certian what they meant by 'lock', so I was obviously not "lead" to the point where they wanted me to go, which would constitute a "mis".
The difference in comparing a term used in a technical issue to an instance of emotional expression is self evident, and proves your worth to this group.
*plonk*
You're comparing a mechanical term to a term of emotional expression, but of course you knew that, and you only said it because you are a troll who enjoys pointless arguing.
*plonk*
A). Check your plonking threshold - it's set too low for an adult. B). You plonked DD twice. C). Post fookin pictures when you ask a question as your descriptive ability is somewhat lacking. D). Thanks.
R
That might be helpful for reminding *me* which switches go to what, but visual indicators don't seem to have any effect on the wandering hands of others.
I've done that before, but the adhesive wears out after a while and simply gives way and lets the switch flip sooner of later. Tape only really works well if you intend to never toggle the switch position, so that you don't have to unstick/restick the tape repeatedly.
But the very purpose of the switch is to control a *security* light, which is designed to keep people *safe* from harm.
*plonk*
Actually, I hadn't plonked him yet, but I have *now*. ES was having a problem last night, and it appeared as though my posts were getting through, which is why I posted multiple replies, and forgot the plonk him at that time.
Pictures of the devices that DD was arguing about were available at the HD pages that I linked to.
Come on...can you honestly tell us that you were mislead by that description?
I'd have assumed that you were intelligent enough to glean the intent of the description since they use the words "Covers... light switches " - not "partially covers", or "covers portions of" or anything ambiguous. The use of the single quotes around 'lock' is a pretty clear indication, at least to me, and especially when taken in conjunction with "covers...light switches", that you aren't physically locking the switch, but the result is the same.
If I told you that I "lock my valuables in a safe" would you understand what I meant or would you be "mislead" into thinking that each individual item was physically locked?
blem last night, and
re: "it appeared as though my posts were getting through"
If it appeared that your posts were getting through, then why did you post multiple times?
I wasn't "arguing" about the *devices*, I was commenting on your use of the term "misleading".
Still needs adjusting, or you need to grow up.
blem last night, and
Oh, geez. I wonder if DD will ever survive a childish plonk!
YOUR pictures. Pictures of YOUR switch installation. Sheesh. How many posts have you made about this? You're being ridiculous. Make a damn guard and stop dithering about. Jeff said it took him ten minutes to make one, and I happen to know he stopped and had a beer break in the middle of it (fess up, Jeff, you know you did!). Piece of aluminum, snips, file, drill two holes, install. Sheesh.
R
roblem last night, and
I'll pull through. Thanks for asking. :-)
Pictures of your actual switch setup always help. Maybe I missed it, but I don't know if the "security related" switch is in a different box with a different plate. Decor might enter into it too. Don't recall you saying if it's in a living room or a mud room. My wife prefers certain plates and switches. Sheet metal guards wouldn't do. Somebody mentioned a cabinet for the switch in question, and I'll suggest a variation of that. Might work and might not. Frame the switch with a hinged decorative item - painting, small jewelry box or whatever. Something the lady wants up there. Easy enough to do even on a multi-switch box, whether you replace the face plate or not. Glue edges to wall if it's light enough, or bracket and screws inside. Get creative instead of catalog parts technical.
--Vic
On Thu 21 Oct 2010 07:19:16a, ShadowTek told us...
Duct tape the switch flippers' hands behind their backs and be done with it.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.