I need a light switch

[AUwing2]

I want to add LED strips to light up a closet but there's no existing light or light switch that I can tie into. I have power, just wrestling to find a switch. There's no place to mount a wall switch so I was thinking some sort of door switch would do the trick. Now if I could just find a switch . . . Any ideas?

[AUwing2]

myredracer wrote:
Another solution is that Southco makes a cabinet latch with a built-in microswitch that they call the "grabber".

That's a neat solution - thanks. I had planned on using magnetic switches but once I had them in hand, figuring out how to mount them so they worked and looked good stopped me. The prox switches seemed like the answer but I wasn't sure if the connectors could be cut off leaving wires to splice.

[GordonThree]

Depending on your budget, this is a cool option too:


https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/installation-power/intelligent-pir-motion-sensor-switch/969...

[JWRoberts]

I use battery operated LED light strips in every cubby hole and cabinet that I need an occasional light. Just stick on and the batteries last a very long time due to infrequent usage.

[GordonThree]

myredracer wrote:
Another solution is that Southco makes a cabinet latch with a built-in microswitch that they call the "grabber". I just installed one on our pantry door for LED lighting I installed inside. These catches come in 3, 5 & 10 lb. rating - the 10 lb is what I bought and is too strong - 5 lbs would be better.

Southco also makes them without a microswitch and are an excellent upgrade for the standard flimsy roller catches that are commonplace in RVs (which don't always work that well). These latches, less microswitch, are also available from RV Designer and JR Products.

How cool is that! I'll have to remember those when the day comes that my roller catch latches give up the ghost.

[C_B_]

I know you said there's no place for a wall switch.

If you have trim around the closet doors this might work.

I cut a square hole in the door trim and inserted a 12 volt automotive rocker switch with indicator light.







C.B.

[myredracer]

Another solution is that Southco makes a cabinet latch with a built-in microswitch that they call the "grabber". I just installed one on our pantry door for LED lighting I installed inside. These catches come in 3, 5 & 10 lb. rating - the 10 lb is what I bought and is too strong - 5 lbs would be better.

Southco also makes them without a microswitch and are an excellent upgrade for the standard flimsy roller catches that are commonplace in RVs (which don't always work that well). These latches, less microswitch, are also available from RV Designer and JR Products.

[Chris_Bryant]

You can also use one of these


proximity switch.

[Chuck_thehammer]

GordonThree wrote:
AUwing:

I'm using these to light my cabinets and closet. Snap action microswitch with a roller arm.

http://www.mpja.com/SPDT-Snap-Switch-with-Roller-4A/productinfo/16314+SW

There's 3 terminals labeled COM, NO and NC... NO = normally open, will be closed when the switch is pressed in. NC = normally closed, will be open when the switch is pressed in. COMmon is the other side of the switch.

4-amp rated contacts is good for ~40 watts of LEDs.

that is how I did the closet LED light on my trailer.. mounted it to top of door jam. door itself moves the little arm on switch.

[GordonThree]

AUwing:

I'm using these to light my cabinets and closet. Snap action microswitch with a roller arm.

http://www.mpja.com/SPDT-Snap-Switch-with-Roller-4A/productinfo/16314+SW

There's 3 terminals labeled COM, NO and NC... NO = normally open, will be closed when the switch is pressed in. NC = normally closed, will be open when the switch is pressed in. COMmon is the other side of the switch.

4-amp rated contacts is good for ~40 watts of LEDs.

[agesilaus]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'door switch'. How about a surface mount switch: Amazon

Ah now I see, maybe some sort of micro switch: Link 2

[Mmwtdh]

I added lights inside all of my cabinets in the kitchen area. I purchased magnetic switches that are used on windows for security systems.

I added a relay because initially I was still using regular 12 v bulbs, but you may be able to wire directly with lower amperage LED...