Reader feedback
I really liked your article in the Jan 23 Sun Day paper recommending Knox Boxes. Today I talked with the Huntley Fire Department commissioner and he said in the next week they expect to approve a newer much cheaper residential version as an alternative to the #1658, which costs $285. The new #1501 Knox Homebox is only $167 (made for one key) vs. two keys in the #1658.
The commissioner said if you have a column on your front porch, it should be placed facing towards the door away from street view about 6′ high. I assume it does not take association approval since it cannot be seen from the street, but I called the Modifications group to get feedback on the process – still waiting for a response.
Another way to give the Huntley Police emergency access to your home is to register your garage code through their free Premise Alert Program.
911 locator light switch
Question: I remember reading in your column about replacing the switch that controls the front porch and garage lights that includes the flashing in case of emergency. Can you tell me what to get for a replacement for this switch?
Thank you so much for your very informative articles, I really appreciate all the information.
Answer: These light switches must be reaching the end of their useful life, as we have received several queries about where to get replacement switches.
If your 911 light switch stops working, the one that flashes the outside light to help the 911 responders find your house, it may not be broken. There is a reset lever in the lower left corner of the switch. If the switch does not turn the outside lights on, try pulling this reset lever down with your fingernail and push it back up. If a power surge trips the switch, this reset should restore the switch to working condition. If this does not fix the problem, you will have to replace the switch. If you turn on the lights and you see a bright flash in the switch, it has probably failed and has welded the contacts together. If this happens, you will not be able to turn the lights off, and you will need to replace the switch.
The original switch was made by Leviton, but they no longer make that switch. There is a replacement switch made by Pass & Seymour, model TM8LOCATORW, the last letter indicating switch color. The switch is available from:
Westside Electric Supply, Inc.
1530 N. LaFox St.
South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone: 847-468-1000
The switch will fit right into the place of the old one. It is as easy to install as any light switch with two wires to connect. Be sure to trip the circuit breaker before removing the old switch. If you have never replaced a light switch, get someone who has some electrical experience to change this one for you.
Please do not use this switch to flash your outside lights to help the pizza delivery man find you house. It is only for 911 emergencies to help the vehicles find your house.
If you have suggestions for future tips or have questions about maintenance around your home submit them to ask.the.woodchucks@gmail.com
