MLchartDataset catalogue

Idiot light

Term · Industrial and trades · MLC-T-IND-002962

A simple indicator lamp on a control panel or dashboard that illuminates to signal a malfunction or an abnormal operating condition, rather than providing a precise measurement. These lights typically show a binary state, such as 'on' or 'off,' for conditions like low oil pressure or high engine temperature. They serve as a basic warning system for operators.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-IND-002962
FieldIndustrial and trades
SubjectShop talk and trade slang
Synonymsdummy light; warning light
TranslationsGerman: Idiotenlicht; Spanish: luz de advertencia; French: témoin lumineux
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-002962",
  "term": "Idiot light",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "A simple indicator lamp on a control panel or dashboard that illuminates to signal a malfunction or an abnormal operating condition, rather than providing a precise measurement. These lights typically show a binary state, such as 'on' or 'off,' for conditions like low oil pressure or high engine temperature. They serve as a basic warning system for operators.",
  "synonyms": [
    "dummy light",
    "warning light"
  ],
  "subject": "Shop talk and trade slang",
  "translations": {
    "de": "Idiotenlicht",
    "es": "luz de advertencia",
    "fr": "témoin lumineux"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/idiot-light/"
}

Record 3,262 of 7,361 in Industrial and trades terminology (MLC-0113). Request the full dataset.