Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - sideways switches

I'm looking for a source for what I call horizontal light switches. Each of my bathrooms has two two switches, one on top of the other, that don't throw up and down but side-to-side. These each control a light in the room. Next to them is a 'normal' up-and-down throw switch for the vent fan. The house was built in 1978 and I'm sure all of the swtches are original.

What I'd like to do is replace the light switches with one that has one of the switches that lights up, so it can be seen in the dark. I haven't taken the cover off to look inside yet but I'm guessing the two sideways switches are part of the same unit. I can't seem to find what I'm looking for anywhere. I've checked the big box stores and some places online but haven't found anything yet. Does anybody know where I can find what I'm looking for, or am I stuck?

And if I'm stuck are there any other options? Because the box is just a two gang box (I'm guessing), it would be more work than I want to do just to change a switch to convert to a three gang box with three conventional switches.

Any ideas appreciated.

The over-under switches are a unit, but you should be able to find another "sideways" switch with a pilot light under it to act like a locator light. Check the Lutron or Cooper sites as well as others to see if you can find one. Our orange big box carries them.

I think I know what you're talking about. It's a switch with a red light underneath it. I think the light usually comes on when the switch is turned on. That won't work for what I want. I have another switch where the red light would be, and I want the switch itself to be lit up when it is in the off position so that it can be seen in the dark when you walk into the room. I see them all the time for 'normal' switches, just not for the sideways ones. And definitely in a two switch configuration.

By the same token, then, you can buy illuminated switches. The paddle has a led inside which illuminates when you turn the switch off. sort of like a night light.

That's exactly what I'm looking for, only I haven't been able to find anything in the configuration that I need. I was hoping someone else would have been looking for the same thing at one time and found a source for them. It's definitely an odd bird. I may not be able to find any.

Are these "Despard" type switches and outlets

http://images.hardwareandtools.com/P/u412403.jpg

installed on a strap

http://images.hardwareandtools.com/T/u300087.jpg

in the electrical box?

Couldn't see the pics, but I went to the site and poked around a little. Those Despard switches could work for what I want, if I can find one that lights up. I'll look around the site more later. They're kind of pricey, but it could be my only option.

Thanks for the info.

edit: Fuuny, after submitting this reply the first time the pics showed up in your post. I didn't see that type of switch there yet. That's just like what I have. That would work even better. Gotta check it out at lunch!

I think you'd be hard pressed to find a Despard or other double/triple switch that is lighted.

Unless there is a reason not to, I would reconfigure things so that the required light is on a single toggle, and the fan/other light on the double, that way you can use a normal lighted toggle.

You could also go for a Despard switch, if you can get a plate, and have Despard indicator, wired in parallel with the light switch. It would then light when the light is off.

Crocostimpy,

Are you on a dial up connection? ... if so, it may take a minuet or so for the pictures to load.

I agree that it would be better to re-wire with conventional switches unless Crocostimpy needs to triple up switches/ receptacle. But my guess was the current were Despard, and if so that confusion might ensue when we discussed what was already there.

I agree it would be best to redo everything to use conventional switches, but that would require more work! ; )

I saw that you can get rocker switches, and then a separate little light that snaps in behind whichever switch you want it to. That might be the way to go for me. I'll have to look into it deeper.

ps: not on dialup, but I was at work and they have everything locked down so tight that it all runs slower than it should.