I’m studying here in Belfast for the Summer from the U.S, and wondering what this switch means. Staying in a dorm so didn’t want to switch it off and see what happens….

by Chubby_Limes

50 comments

  1. Immersion? Does your electric drop dramatically if you switch it on for 5secs?

  2. It keeps the Union in tact.

    Press it for instant UI.

  3. As it is fused, it not for cooker or immersion heater as they are too high current for something like this, it will be for a lower powered device

  4. It’s an isolation switch. Need more context to identify what it’s for.

    Most frequently these are used to turn off built in Applicances within a kitchen, for example, washing machine, dish washer, or a fridge.

    It also can be used to remotely turn on an immerision heater which will heat your water, although I was lead to believe these are now timer switches and not a simple on off switch anymore.

  5. Appliances that are wired in, rather than plugged into a 3 pin socket, will have switches like this to isolate them. Oven, fridge, dishwasher, etc.

  7. Is it in the kitchen or just outside the bathroom? If kitchen i’d guess it controls the oven/hobs and if outside the bathroom I’d imagine it’s for an electric shower

  8. These switches are located close to the device it controls, so is this near a washing machine/dishwasher/fridge etc? If so, it’s the control for it as it is plugged in out of sight under your counters and is an easy way to turn them off/on as needed.

  12. I have those for my dishwasher, boiler and other main electrical things in the house is there an appliance nearby?

  13. The one we have like that is for the central heating. There’s a separate timer for when it goes on and off but that is the main switch

  15. That one that if you used without express permission (and forgot to turn off) your ma would kill you.

  16. It’s an isolator switch, its not lit up so it’s likely controlled by a timer or master switch somewhere else. Usually see these for electric heaters or water immersion heaters.

  23. If it is in your personal dorm room, it will isolate outlet(sockets,shower etc) within the room. If it is in a public space, it is most likely built in appliances (fridge, oven, tv) generally whatever it is closest to. Feel free to turn it off and see what happens, it’ll be fine.

  26. It’s a DUP button. You’re looking at it from the wrong angle though as it’s meant to say ‘No’.

  27. It’s usually used for appliances like Cookers, extractor fans, dishwashers etc. it basically a plug that’s been built into the mains.

  28. It’s the red light switch. It turns on the red light.

  30. You wanted immersion heater and in typical Reddit style they delivered their own answers.

  32. That is the switch of “I’ll beat your arse” Do not ever… ever leave it on or you will suffer the wrath of your ma.

  34. ‘’In my house there’s this light switch that doesn’t do anything. Every so often I would flick it on and off just to check. Yesterday, I got a call from a woman in Madagascar. She said, ‘Cut it out.’’’
    Steven Wright

  35. Jesus H. Fucking Christ!! Is that an on immersion switch with someone wondering what it is??? Some serious PTSD triggered here. Oh, and you’ll have a £1.2million bill next month, probably take about 4 generations of your family to pay it off.

  38. If it’s near the bathroom it’s the jesus light

    It’s called that cause your be asking for jesus’ help if you leave it on for to long

  40. It’s a switched fused connection unit for isolating the power supply to electrical items rated below 13 amps. Normally it connects to a remote socket outlet for appliances such as fridges, washing machines, dish washers, radial or spurred connections. It is not (I hope) an immersion heater switch. The fuse in this switch protects the cable supplying it from overload.

  45. It dims the street lights outside.. handy if it gets a bit dazzling when your trying to study …

  48. Is there a towel heater in the bathroom? Or an electric heater in the bedroom?

    You said you’re in a dorm so it’s unlikely to be a water heater switch as hot water would be communal.

  49. YESSSS IN ALL MY IRISH EXISTENCE I HAVE WONDERED WHAT THIS WAS

  50. It’s an isolation switch for something – might be a hardwired appliance like a hot water heater, or it could be connected to a built in kitchen appliance with an inaccessible socket outlet.

    There’s no way of knowing what it’s for without knowing what it’s connected to.

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