Bathroom pull switch

I need to replace the pull switch light in my bathroom but am completely confused about what I need to buy - the hardware store had pull switches with all different amps, as well as one or two way switches. Is there a way of finding out what I need to buy without getting an electrician? Thanks!

Comments

  • What sized bulb do you use in the light?

    It's probably a one way 3 amp switch, although any size would do but will probably cost slightly more.
  • I need to replace the pull switch light in my bathroom but am completely confused about what I need to buy - the hardware store had pull switches with all different amps, as well as one or two way switches. Is there a way of finding out what I need to buy without getting an electrician? Thanks!

    Can you safely change it without an electrician?
  • I_luv_cats
    I_luv_cats Posts: 14,453 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Can you safely change it without an electrician?

    knock off the lighting circuit in your consumer unit (5amp little white button or pull the circuit breaker out)


    once sure no lights are operational - remove the screws of the pull light switch and take it to electrical shop for comparison.


    2 minute job
  • I_luv_cats wrote: »
    knock off the lighting circuit in your consumer unit (5amp little white button or pull the circuit breaker out)


    once sure no lights are operational - remove the screws of the pull light switch and take it to electrical shop for comparison.


    2 minute job

    Take a digital photo first. It will make putting the new one back easier.
  • DevCoder
    DevCoder Posts: 3,361 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Take a digital photo first. It will make putting the new one back easier.

    Agreed, especially if the wiring loops in and out at the switch (more common then you'd think).
  • I_luv_cats wrote: »
    knock off the lighting circuit in your consumer unit (5amp little white button or pull the circuit breaker out)


    once sure no lights are operational - remove the screws of the pull light switch and take it to electrical shop for comparison.


    2 minute job

    Also make sure that there isn't any wiring going through the switch for an extractor fan as if there is, this may not be powered from the lighting breaker.
  • Thanks all - I've changed a switch before in my old house so should be able to manage it safely without an electrician but the landlord provided the replacement switch that time, which is why I was confused this time. Will take the switch down and take it to the hardware shop with me for comparison.

    One thing though - I *think* the switch also operates the extractor fan. Does that complicate things?
  • Thanks all - I've changed a switch before in my old house so should be able to manage it safely without an electrician but the landlord provided the replacement switch that time, which is why I was confused this time. Will take the switch down and take it to the hardware shop with me for comparison.

    One thing though - I *think* the switch also operates the extractor fan. Does that complicate things?

    Not if you wire the new switch up as was.
  • Great - thanks!
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