Is it possible to disable light?

[veedee]

Bought a powered bathroom mirror which I love.

To turn on the light strips, you press the red button on the mirror itself.

When not in use, the button stays red.

I find this annoying and don't want the red light always on

So I wanted to know whether it is possible to disable this?

I'd have to open up the mirror but before doing so, I wanted to ask whether this is remotely possibly?

We still want the mirror to light up but I don't want the red light always on when not in use

 

[Tigercubrider]

Possibly

 

[RandomGrinch]

I would consider finding somewhere to fit an accessible mains switch for it - without the red light, you may have to rely on looking for the smudges, every time you want to turn it on!

 

[johnny2007]

Open the mirror and disconnect the little red bulb/led inside it.

 

[JohnW2]

Open the mirror and disconnect the little red bulb/led inside it.

It's may well not be quite as simple as that, since the 'red bulb/led' may well be inside (an integral part of) the switch, which may well not be (non-destructively) openable.

Of course, the OP may be lucky and find that the light is separate from the switch but I don't think I'd put much money on that!

Kind Regards, John

 

[RandomGrinch]

It's may well not be quite as simple as that, since the 'red bulb/led' may well be inside (an integral part of) the switch, which may well not be (non-destructively) openable.

I strongly suspect the "switch" is a capacitive touch sensor, beneath the mirrors surface - the LED could be a surface mount device on the PCB?

Edit:
The OP may be in luck; most of the sensors I have found seem to be modular, with built in illumination.
Example:

12V LED Light Mirror Switch, Wooden Furniture Touch Dimmer Sensor Switch, Mirror Touch Sensor Witch

We manufacture led mirror light sensor and controller for glass and mirror manufacturer，Customize mirror light touch switch production to hotel project, Quote in 24 hours, Sample in 3 days, 10 years LED sensor light production/export experience

www.led-sensor-light.com

...being a module, it should hopefully be possible to remove and modify

 

[JohnW2]

I strongly suspect the "switch" is a capacitive touch sensor, beneath the mirrors surface - the LED could be a surface mount device on the PCB?

It could well be - so perhaps not literally 'inaccessible' - but nevertheless possibly quite not as simple to 'disconnect' it as was seemingly being suggested. If it were as you describe, then I'm sure that you or I would manage to 'disconnect' the LED, but .....

Kind Regards, John

 

[RandomGrinch]

. If it were as you describe, then I'm sure that you or I would manage to 'disconnect' the LED, but .....

Sorry, just edited my post. Most touch mirror switches seem to be modular - which makes sense given their extra complexity.

 

[JohnW2]

Edit: The OP may be in luck; most of the sensors I have found seem to be modular, with built in illumination.
Example: ... being a module, it should hopefully be possible to remove and modify

Hopefully easy to 'remove' - but as for 'modify', aren't we probably back to my ...

..... may well be inside (an integral part of) the switch, which may well not be (non-destructively) openable.

Kind Regards, John

 

[veedee]

Update: I opened up the mirror and I have attached pics of the switch which has the red led.

It is labelled as the 'touch swich' and it's in black it appears to be glued/siliconed in place.

3 white wires comes out of it and this goes to the 'power adapter' (in white)

@JohnW2 @RandomGrinch what are your thoughts?

 

[RandomGrinch]

It looks like silicone rather than hot glue?
Carefully remove the silicone/glue along the sides (leaving the backplate in place):

Then slide out the sensor.

 

[veedee]

It looks like silicone rather than hot glue?
Carefully remove the silicone/glue along the sides (leaving the backplate in place):
View attachment 277405
Then slide out the sensor.

Thank you.

I removed the silicone and slide out the sensor

I took a pic of the sensor (turned over)

 

[opps]

If you disable the led, how will other people know where to touch the mirror?

Is this a business property? I have never seen a domestic property with a pin code lock on a bathroom door.

 

[RandomGrinch]

I removed the silicone and slide out the sensor

Simplest (and reversible) solution - cover the sensor (or etch in mirror) in PVC tape and see if the sensor still operates!

 

[RandomGrinch]

If you disable the led, how will other people know where to touch the mirror?

I wondered about that in post #3 - I *think* the etch in the mirror, that allows the led light through, should (hopefully!) also be visible when the LED is off - we will wait and see!
I also wondered about the code lock - (ex?) HMO?