Pull cord light switch stuck

modelreject

Hi,

Coming down from my roofspace the other day I pull the pull cord for the light to switch it off. After I did this I tried turning it on again but the cord feels as if it stuck. If I oull any harder the whole thing will come down. Think it is stuck.

Is this easy to fix as I don't want to have to pay out for an electrician. Can I just unscrew the cover etc without turning main off.

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks,
C

Ebe_Scrooge

Easy to fix. Unscrew the cover and have a look.

BUT TURN THE POWER OFF FIRST !!!!!!!!!!

You shouldn't need to switch off all power to the house, just the circuit that the light is on. But if you're at all unsure, switch off the master switch - better safe than sorry.

You may be able to see if the cord has just got twisted around something, or whatever. But don't worry too much, a new pull-cord switch will be a couple of quid at a DIY shop, and it's simple to replace.

modelreject

Okay. Thanks.

Will try to isolate power from that light. Don't want to turn master switch off as the combi boiler is on it I think.

keystone

Dont faff with it - not worth the effort. Just replace it.

Cheers

Phil_L_2

Often what happen is that the part that connects the pull cord to the switch becomes unscrewed. Undo the cover and do it back up. In all likelyhood it does not need replacing.

keystone

Often what happens is the internal gubbins get rather worn and it starts to stick. Just replace the whole thing. £ 1.50 in Bargain and Quick (wash my mouth out ......... )

Cheers

siwilks

I also have this situation, however having unscrewed the face of the switch, there's only enough cable to pull it perhaps a centimetre clear of the main case of the switch. I might feasibly be able to unscrew the terminals, and then get the switch case removed, but I'm not convinced I'd then be have enough wire/skill to fit a new switch on. My only hope, short of getting an electrician, is to do the above and then hope I'll be able to yank some more cable out of the ceiling. Does that seem likely?

bizzybee

Have a look at How to change a pull switch in a bathroom on YouTube. I managed to change my bathroom light pull from this. It really isn't difficult at all.