Stubborn switch on anglepoise lamp

Hedgehog99

The switch on my anglepoise is getting increasingly stiff. (FYI it's not an actual Anglpoise brand light).

The light is turned on/off by rotating a narrow rod on the back of the light clockwise. It's got to the stage where I have to use pliers to turn it off! (on is a bit easier).

Does this mean the switch is giving out or is there something cheap & simple I can do?

Owain_Moneysaver

A photo of the switch would help.

You could leave it 'on' and cut the flex and wire in an in-line switch.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/DT102.html

Hedgehog99

Can't seem to add a photo from dropbox.

In-line switch is a good idea.

It looks a bit like this: (the column looks a bit like the ones you press in & out on some lamps, but this one is twisted clockwise each time instead.)

__
| | narrow column, long enough to be gripped between
| | finger & thumb
--- stacked washers? ...or just a triple washer?
XX 2 x knurled rings or shallow nuts
XX
--- back of lamp

brightontraveller

You could try a lubricant on switch like

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Servisol-Consumable-electrical-mechanical-lubrication/dp/B005NZATBC

Without picture make and model number of switch, light itself you’ d be wasting your time you’ll get plenty that would do the job safely but doesn’t mean they’ll fit where you need them too ?

There are sites that sell replacement parts for original lights you can use those as reference to source parts with correct description elsewhere

http://www.30-something.co.uk/herbert-terry-1227-anglepoise-replacement-cable-grommets-item-515

And of course

https://www.anglepoise.com/?gclid=CKOryoK3p8MCFcPMtAodkzYAhg

But copies really depends how close it is to original as to if parts will fit

Hedgehog99

Bingo! Dropbox has now let me post the photo. You can see how I've worn the black rod with my pliers!

brightontraveller

Looks like standard rotary switch does this just turn on/off dim light also? try maplins, cpc, ebay etc not usually more than a few £ and pretty easy to install undo nut and connect cable like for like in most case

Hedgehog99

Thanks.

It's just a basic on/off, no dimming. I'm near a Maplins so I'll see what they have.

Myser

That rotary switch would have probably had a knob on it at some point to make it easier to turn. The grooves on the spindle help hold the knob in place. Without a knob, it is going to be very difficult to operate a rotary switch. Using pliers will damage the grooves as has happened with yours.

The Maplin rotary switches only handle a low current and probably won't be suitable. You will need to try the likes of CPC or RS.

Owain_Moneysaver

You may find a standard press switch will fit the hole.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/LY2241.html


Lorlin RMS might be suitable - check the dimensions - but it will need soldering.
http://www.lorlin.co.uk/PDF/RMS.pdf
(Sold by RS)