In this DIY guide we look at how to install a pull cord switch. Regulations for Installing Pull Cord Switches Again, if this has does not work, the whole unit must be replaced. Replacing the Cord From a Pull Cord Switch All this is conditional upon the use of suitable cable and fittings for the application, that the circuit protective measures are unaffected and suitable for protecting the new circuit and that all work complies with all other appropriate regulations.

Any work other than this must be carried out by a professional electrician with the necessary knowledge to do the work to the regulation standards and also be able fully test it and then issue a minor works certificate once completed.Step 4 – Supporting the switch with one hand, try to operate the pull cord with the other hand to see if the maintenance spray has freed up the spring and therefore the switch should work properly again The very first job to do before anything is to ensure the electricity is isolated for the circuit you will be working on. To do this, turn off the MCB of the lighting circuit you’re working on or if a fuse board, pull out the fuse. Step 2 – Undo the two retaining screws holding the switch in place and carefully pull it down a little. There should be sufficient wiring to allow you to do this as with the lighter duty switch above

Step 3 – Spray the switch area with the a little maintenance spray or WD40 and attempt to loosen the spring to make the switch work properly. Hold it with one hand and pull the cord with the other The neutral wire should also have a brown sheath or brown tape wrapped around it to indicate that it’s the switched live, but this will depend on the wiring setup. As long as you wire it up the same as the old switch, all will be well. Adding additional lighting, light fittings and switches, to an existing circuit – As long as not in a kitchen or bathroom Pull cord switches can be used to control an electrical circuit. Popular uses include bathroom lights, electric showers or fans. Pull cord switches are also used for disabled toilet alarms.These rules absolutely do apply to DIY activities, so anyone carrying out notifiable work (anything other than the points listed) will have to submit a building notice to the local authority before starting the job and pay a fee to have the work inspected and tested, or simply avoid all the hassle and get a Part P electrician to do it.

To fit a pull cord switch or indeed just replace the cord, you will need the following tools and products.Step 1 – Before doing anything, turn off the circuit you are working on in the consumer unit or fuse box by turning off the MCB or pulling out the fuse. Most of these types of switch include a neon indicator, which will glow red or orange. If you have switched off the supply correctly the indicator will not be lit. Step 1 – Firstly isolate the power to the circuit you are working on in your consumer unit by turning off the MCB for that circuit or if a fuse box, pulling out the fuse. If you are unsure which is which, turn off all the power using the main isolator switch As stated, in the majority of cases they are used in areas subject to water and moisture as the fact that you have a pull cord to turn the light or appliance on and off you are no where near any electrical internals that could easily have water splashed onto them causing serious electrical injury. For the first part of this guide we will work through replacing a standard 6 amp pull cord light switch. From step 6 we will explain changing a 45 amp isolation switch. Step 1 – Isolate the Switch and Circuit Some pull switches feature a light which indicates when the switch is on. These are ideal for applications like electric showers as it is not obvious when they are switched on or off otherwise. Types of Pull Switch

If you just want to replace your broken pull cord switch then work through the steps below. However, if you want to have a go at repairing your existing switch then scroll down to the sections we have on repair. Pull the switch free and turn it over to access the wires. Take a picture of the wires (normally just 2), noting exactly which wire is in which terminal. A pull cord switch, sometimes called a light pull, is an electrical switch which features a cord or string to control it. These switches are commonly found on the ceiling of bathrooms or other areas where water is present. Why use a pull cord switch? Next, connect each wire in turn to the correct terminal according to the photo you took earlier. This should normally be Live brown/red to COM and neutral blue to L1.

To save a little time and fatigue, loosen the terminal screws on the new switch also. Step 4 – Connect New Switch In most cases, the 45 amp version will have an integrated light and/or on/off indicator that states when the appliance is live and also turned on. Using a flat blade screwdriver, loosen each terminal for each wire and pull them free, ensuring terminals are loose enough to easily pull them out.