On and Off : What do Spanish light switches say?

Question

In English we have some really simple words, "On" and "Off". They fit really nicely on a light switch.

Words for turning something on include activar, encender, prender, enchufar.

Words for turning something off are apagar, desactivar.

None of these fit on a light switch! Or for other types of electrical switches where we can fit a tiny On/Off label and Spanish seems to only have big words?

So what do they do in Spanish-speaking countries?

I guess they could do this:

But what is the usual way that they do it?

Answer 1

Goyo's answer shows the photo with the european style symbols. I have seen these in almost all my european projects, In México however, household light switches are normally not marked at all, Industrial switches follow the european pattern. With the "rocker" style switches used in homes, the way they are installed (orientation) indicates the on and off positions.

Thanks to everyone who gave an answer. Everyone got a vote, but I could only pick one. - Goyo, Apr 8, 2011

Answer 2

The majority of light switches are unmarked in England. The one shown by Goyo is an exception, not the rule. Generally the switches are marked on the inside with the word "top"to assist the installation. This always supposes the electrician can read, hehe.

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I have never seen a switch that looks like that. - Goyo, Feb 19, 2011

It's manufactured by MK Electric Ltd, one of Britains leading manufacturers. - Eddy, Feb 19, 2011

Answer 3

The switches here are unlabelled.

So I guess people there are never too sure which way to flip the switch, then. (just kidding) - webdunce, Feb 19, 2011

Actually that is true. Some switches are vertical, some are horizontal, and even switches next to each other are sometimes wired the opposite way. - lorenzo9, Feb 19, 2011

Hi Lorenzo, a good electrician will wire the all the switches in a "bank "the same way ,the exception comes with three way switxhes when the remote switch is in the opposite position-this condition "throws off " the sequence. - pacofinkler, Feb 19, 2011

I understand that, but I'm describing what I've seen here. Switches with a common switch plate are usually wired the same way, but it is not uncommon for those in adjacent switchplates to be wired differently. There are examples in my house--if it really - lorenzo9, Feb 20, 2011

bothered me, I would change them, but I'm too lazy. - lorenzo9, Feb 20, 2011

Answer 4

On-off everywhere I've been.

Answer 5

Very interesting question, Goyo!

Our light switches are horizontal tabs; the left side has a small mark on it. When the light is turned on, the left side (with the mark) is depressed; when the light is not on, the right side (no mark) is depressed.

These switches were installed around 2005.