Turning off an extractor fan

freakyogre

I have just switched the light on in my bathroom and pulled the cord too hard which has pulled it out of the fixing near the ceiling. The light is linked to the extractor fan which is now running.

Usually this wouldn't be a problem, i'd whip the ladder out and tie it back on, but i'm currently on crutches and as tempting as it is to try and climb up there, i'm not that stupid!

There is a switch outside my bathroom which is for the fan but has always been set to 'off'. I've tried flipping it to 'on' but I assume this is to have it on all the time. Off, I assume is so it's set to come on when the light does.

I've tried reaching up to try and catch the dangly bit on the light, but my ceilings are just too high (I had one crutch on end and it only just reached, but I can't catch the bit I need to!)

So, is there any way of turning it off? (I've checked fuses, but there's only one for all lights which is no good - also, I can't get to the fan as too high) Luckily my dad is popping round tomorrow so he can sort it then, but the bathroom backs on to my bedroom and the noise is annoying

googler

All I can suggest is turn off the lights at the fuse box/MCB unit last thing before retiring, and find your way to and from bed with a torch......

freakyogre

googler wrote: »

All I can suggest is turn off the lights at the fuse box/MCB unit last thing before retiring, and find your way to and from bed with a torch......

I think I might have to. It's a constant droning noise!

OK, next silly question. I take it I literally just flip the switch on the light 'section' and put it back on tomorrow? I've never had to turn any of them off before.

andrew-b

You could maybe use some sort of stick, broom handle or a crutch, (maybe extend the crutch by taping a broom handle on the end) form a hook on the end using some wire (paperclip, coat hanger, garden wire whatever) plus a long piece of string/thread with a slip knot on the end. Hang the slip knot over the hook and hold the string and go fishing...when you've caught the dangly bit in your slip knot pull the string and you now have a new light cord! Never tried this but it seems a reasonable plan!

Failing that i'd hobble around to a neighbours house..sure someone will have pity and be happy to give you 30 seconds of their time to help.

andrew-b

If your not great at knots... http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Tie-a-Slip-Knot/

freakyogre

andrew-b wrote: »

You could maybe use some sort of stick, broom handle or a crutch, (maybe extend the crutch by taping a broom handle on the end) form a hook on the end using some wire (paperclip, coat hanger, garden wire whatever) plus a long piece of string/thread with a slip knot on the end. Hang the slip knot over the hook and hold the string and go fishing...when you've caught the dangly bit in your slip knot pull the string and you now have a new light cord! Never tried this but it seems a reasonable plan!

Failing that i'd hobble around to a neighbours house..sure someone will have pity and be happy to give you 30 seconds of their time to help.

That does sound like fun and if it was earlier in the day I may consider it, but I think i'll switch the fuse off and hope it's all ok tomorrow! I wasn't thinking properly when I thought of the fuses and thought switching that off would do everything, but of course, a lamp plugged in will still work so i'll have a bit of light to navigate to my bedroom.

Again, if it was earlier I would have asked my neighbour, but it's a bit late to be bothering people now.

Thanks to both of you for your help