Replies

1. 
   Piffin | Jan 04, 2003 10:09am | #1

   I've used two kinds and seen a third but don't know names or supply sources other than, Hey Fred, can you get me three of those same jamb switches we used on the _____ job?

   Fred is my sparky.

   One is a heavy push switch that is mortised into the jamb on the hinge side. It is probably mechanical and is dependable but it takes a big chunk of meat out of the jamb and takes time.

   Another is a magnetic dot switch. A round magnet is countersunk into the door by drilling a hole. A round button is recessed into the jamb so as to align with the magnet and connects to a wire. Close the door, and the magnet opens the circuit. Open it and the magnet closes the circuit so the light comes on.

   The third seems to be a DIY afterthought that I routinely remove from houses. It is face mounted on the casing and the door. It looks ugly as sin.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

   "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

   The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

   --Marcus Aurelius

2. 
   JeffBuck | Jan 04, 2003 10:11am | #2

   I was gonna say the local electrical supply should have a few to select from...and ya might even find one reasonably priced at around $50!

   Looks like I was off the mark. Not sure you'll find anything cheaper made for that purpose......you could probably find something to rig up though.

   Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

3. 
   PhillGiles | Jan 04, 2003 10:52am | #3

   For a closet, Leviton 1865/700 - under $10

   for a cabinet, use something like http://www.action-electronics.com/gcmicro.htm

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

   Edited 1/4/2003 2:53:01 AM ET by Phill Giles

   
   

   ---

   Edited 1/4/2003 3:07:37 AM ET by Phill Giles

4. 
   jgjgjgnn | Jan 04, 2003 05:07pm | #4

   I'm looking for the same thing and, I think, for the same reasons.  I've tried the time consuming jamb switches, also the motion detector type and I'm looking for something smaller, cleaner and faster to install.

   I think the hunt comes down to the electronic device that could use the input signal from a "button" type magnetic switch and be able to switch 120v. for the light.  This could probably be done if a transformer was used and the light was low voltage.  My goal is to switch coat and bedroom closets and a device that could directly switch 120v. would be ideal.

   Let's send this thread to Leviton's R&D Dept.

1. 
   spinnm | Jan 04, 2003 05:29pm | #5

   Probably not much help, but.....we remodeled a 50 year old house that had these.  They were already there and caused no trouble.... So, I never closely examined them.  Since the house was so old, there were no other switches...probably originally pull chains.  If memory serves, they looked for all the world like those little contact switches that are still used for burglar alarms.  If the electrical house wants too much, how 'bout Radio Shack?

   If you have a switch already and that switch is inside the closet I've had good luck with the Levitron, motion-detector replacements.

2. 
   MisterT | Jan 04, 2003 05:32pm | #6

   My experince with these switches is that they are ALWAYS more of a PITA than any one thinks they will be.

   Make sure you charge $$$ for them, because they can turn the tasks of hanging adoor and installing a light switch into a Major expenditure of time above and beyond doing them the normal way.

   Some times the customer needs to see how much they can save by learnig to turn off the light themselves.

   Mr TDo not try this at home!

   I am a trained professional!

5. 
   FrankB89 | Jan 04, 2003 10:16pm | #7

   When I worked in industry, we used a lot of proximity switches and a variety of limit switches that are durable and reliable.  They're also expensive, but if you're near a city that has a source of surplus or used electrical components, these switches can often be obtained quite cheaply.  You have to pay attention to what your getting though, because sometimes the voltages are non-standard and the functions may not be the SPST you're probably after.

   Common manufacturers are Allen Bradley, Square D and others.

   Jules Quaver for President   2004

1. 
   nigelUsa | Jan 04, 2003 10:47pm | #8

   wny not use a motion dectector like the outdoor type, $15 and little or no cutting out or pulling extra wires.

1. 
   CloudHidden | Jan 05, 2003 04:47pm | #14

   I like motion detector switches. That way you can leave a door ajar, as kids are inclined to do, and not have a jamb switch keeping the lights on.

6. 
   JMartindal1 | Jan 05, 2003 04:28am | #9

   Look in your refrigerator.

1. 
   MisterT | Jan 05, 2003 04:32am | #10

   Does the light really go off when you shut the door???

   TDo not try this at home!

   I am a trained professional!

1. 
   JMartindal1 | Jan 05, 2003 05:03am | #11

   i tried putting my head in while i shut the door, that didnt work. Put the cat in, he didnt come out for a week; all the milk & cheese were gone. Still dont know.

1. 
   Skiyup | Jan 05, 2003 09:42am | #12

   To finally put to rest the age old debate over whether the light stays on in the refrigerator I cut a 12" square hole in my refrigerator door and the light does go out. Does anyone know of a source of replacement refrigerator doors? Skip

1. 
   MisterT | Jan 05, 2003 04:04pm | #13

   Find a nieghbor with the same fridge and offer to watch thier house while they are on vacation.

   TDo not try this at home!

   I am a trained professional!

2. 
   Skiyup | Jan 07, 2003 09:25am | #15

   Don't know why I didn't think of that. Thanks Skip