Nothing noticeable changes when it’s on or off and it’s not near a particular electrical outlet.

by Humble_Interest_9048

13 comments

  2. Water heater / boiler. Usually in the bathroom or in designated space

  3. Is it by chance located somewhere near a bathroom? Looks like a boiler/water heater switch.

  6. If it’s inside or near the bathroom door, then it’s supposed to be for the electric water heater/boiler. The built in light indicates that the water boiler is active and heating water for use.

  8. As others have said, it’s for the water heater, but here is why it exists. If you notice that yours is running out of control and heating the water to a boil, you have this dedicated switch to turn it off without having to remember which breaker it’s on. It is still a common enough failure mode with water heaters that we install these switches in new homes, too. It has happened in two of our homes with different brands of boilers.

    If it happens, first you have to turn it off, then open up the hot water valves on the sink to drain the hot water and replace it with cold. Then, you call a repair man.

  10. That is for the electric water heater. I would strongly advise you to check the appliance before using it.

  11. Its a switch inside a frame inside a frame inside a frame

  12. “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

  13. Thank you all. It is located outside of the bathroom. I’ll be sure to turn it on before a shower. Otherwise cold water only?!

    (I’d update the post if I could. Can’t seem to.)

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