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Adding additional lighting, light fittings and switches, to an existing circuit – As long as not in a kitchen or bathroom In this DIY guide we look at how to install a pull cord switch. Regulations for Installing Pull Cord Switches 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 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. Standard cord switches are usually white. There is often a handle at the end of the cord to enable you to pull the cord downwards easily. The electronic part of the switch sits within a plastic housing which fixes to the ceiling by screws.
Form a knot and then lower the finial to cover it. Other types of finial are available, such as timber or porcelain/ceramic, from hardware or DIY stores.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. To save a little time and fatigue, loosen the terminal screws on the new switch also. Step 4 – Connect New Switch
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. Undo the screws on your new switch where the wires will go – feed the main cable through the base and screw the base into the ceiling. Now you can connect the wires – just make sure you tighten the screws properly and if the earth wire is present that you put a sleeve on it and connect it to its place on the base plate. As you can see in this picture whoever installed it they never bothered connecting the earth to its place for some reason. 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 One thing to note however is that the switches do differ slightly. Whereas the 6 amp switch is single pole, the 45 amp switch will be double pole as it needs to be able to isolate both the live and neutral. 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 CircuitStandard 6amp pull cord switch Tools and Materials Needed for Repairing and Replacing a Pull Cord Switch 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.