What does this button on the left do? The right one is the heater, but the left is a mystery…

21 comments
  1. Only way to tell is to ask your landlord or whoever wired up the place. There’s no rule for what it’s used for.

    In my place, they are switches for the a/c unit. Could also be a switch for the oven/cooker for example.

  2. Could be the switch for a water pump. Sometimes they are needed to get enough pressure into the water heater.

    But yeah could be anything.

  3. I have one like this too, it’s got tape on it forcing it to remain in the “on” position and it has writing on it saying don’t touch. I bought my place and it came like that so I haven’t got anyone to ask.

    Might have to press it and see what suddenly goes off.

  4. There’s no fixed rule as others have said. Generally these are used for water heaters, ovens, ACs, waterpumps.

  5. That might be for a bathroom heater (even if there is no actual heater installed). The wiring is done when the rest of the wiring is being done, so that if a heater needs to be installed, at some future date, it can be. (Source, my own place :))

  6. Could be for a dishwasher or washing machine that requires a wired connection , if you have one turn the switch off and see if the machines still work , if they don’t that’s your answer

  7. Automatic-Property-Defence-System. They protect your house from mozzies and bad vibes. 🙂 But seriously, better to ask your landlord. Might be some form of water heater switch or water pump?

  8. One could be for the Air condition and the other for the water heater/geyser. Better ask the owner or a qualified electrician.

  9. Hijacking the thread, do you guys leave the water heater on 24/7 or only turn it on a little bit before showers/washing dishes etc.?

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