Help me find the correct English word

[Pikachu]

I am writing an operating instruction, and have problems finding the correct English word. I want to write something like ”Push the green button when the red lamp...” and then I need a word for when the lamp starts to emit light. My dictionary suggests ”catches fire”, but that can’t be right?

What word would you use here, or would you maybe suggest a different formulation instead?

 

[Bartleby]

When the red lamp lights up
When the red light comes on
When the red light shines
When the red light illuminates

 

[El_Machinae]

"glows"
"brightens"
"lights up"

 

[potatokiosk]

I think "begins to glow" and "begins to shine" would be best.

 

[thetrooper]

When the red light comes on

The best suggestion IMO.

 

[Pikachu]

Great! Suddenly my problem changed completely. How am I supposed to choose between all these great suggestions? I guess I just have to go with the first one. So the instructions are: “Push the green button when the red lamp lights up.” That sounds great! Thanks a lot to you all!

 

[CartesianFart]

illuminate

"Catches fire" can be acceptable in some sense that imply a metaphorical expression.

 

[Azash]

"malfunctions"
"goes 'zap' "
"ignites"

 

[Perfection]

"scorches your retina"

 

[Irish Caesar]

"emits photons with a wavelength of 700 nanometers."

But really, I think you went with the best option.

 

[Gogf]

"Turns on" would probably work.

 

[Urederra]

blinks can be also an option, if it blinks.

 

[Elrohir]

"Push the green button when the red lamp turns into a radioactive monkey and bites your head off!"

This could be some sort of cheesy internet "Finish this sentence!" game, you know.

 

[Phlegmak]

Great! Suddenly my problem changed completely. How am I supposed to choose between all these great suggestions? I guess I just have to go with the first one. So the instructions are: “Push the green button when the red lamp lights up.” That sounds great! Thanks a lot to you all!

I don't like it. I like this one better.

Push the green button when the red lamp turns on.

 

[MjM]

Illuminates sounds the coolest, but lights up is the easiest to get.

 

[cthom]

My dictionary suggests ”catches fire”, but that can’t be right?

a cheerful to start to my day! btw, there is a fast food place along the road with fire safety instructions that 'all members must be vacuumed from the premises'

 

[Raisin Bran]

Lights up .