Replacement light switch pull cord connectors

DiddyDavies

bob_a_builder said:

Thanks for the recommendation above
However I just got one, and I afraid have to say I don't notice any difference between that,  both on noise level and pull strength and what I already have fitted ( 30 year old switch)  and thats before I fit it to the large sounding board that is the plasterboard ceiling
I did get the Contactum one, not sure, maybe they changed design from when you got them, but I would definitely question that claim you highlighted in TLC cat

If it's not too much of an epic journey, I would suggest taking the switch back (Did you buy it from TLC?) and either asking them to swop it for another one or just to confirm that they gave you the correct one.
If you have a look at the Amazon reviews for this switch, you will see that the all 3 of them mention the quietness of the switch.
Amazon.co.uk:Customer reviews: Contactum CAC2781 1 Way Ceiling Switch, 6A

One way to tell if it's the same switch as I have is the type of noise it makes.
When you operate it, does it make a double "clunk" , once when pulling the cord down and once when releasing the cord or does it only make one noise when pulling it down and nothing when you release it?

bob_a_builder

A definite double clunker here  ?   and I see from your Amazon link should just be the one clunk
So almost certainly the wrong one, also in the moulding on the rear it says "10AX 250V"    -  Probably not a 6 amp one then !
I'll give them a ring in the morning

DiddyDavies

The one I have is a single click (not loud enough to be called a clunk) .
The Contactum number is CAC2781 and from doing a quick google, the 10A version is ASP2781 so it's possible you've been given the second one in error which would make sense as the beefier switch might need more of a pull and therefore give more of a clunk.


The correct one should look like the one on the right (but without the red toggle). If you have one where the bottom cover is held on with screws, you've definitely been given the wrong item.

GDB2222

You know, I hadn't realised that there's so much to bathroom pull switches.

I need to get a new bit of string for ours, as DW snapped it. Presumably, nylon braid? What thickness?

bob_a_builder

Also on the back of the switch I have is printed RET2781  and also what is possibly a manufacture date code  of 08 04 2015  ?


But the plot thickens because the TLC site ( your earlier picture ) lists it as a CM2781  ( which doesn't show up on Contactum site )

A google search by me for CAC2781  seems to indicate the product is not widely/ no longer  available - although is still listed on Contactum site 
But not found anyone with any stock so far 

fenwick458

I can confirm there are silent pull switches out there, just can't remember which brand. I bought a box a few years back, I think they were a cheap brand from the senate (rexel) budget range, and they were nothing but trouble.
because they didn't emit an audiable click accompanied by a snapping sensation on the string which most people are used to, people just just used to pull them untill either the string snapped or they came off the ceiling.
all they needed was a tiny tug and then release to switch on/off, but as people expect a clicking noise, they just kept pulling...
same type of switch is fitted in disabled toiled alarms, only the faintest tug and release and they go off, silently

bob_a_builder

Not really related to bathroom switches but ....
While google searching for this item has come up with a few strange sites, which I'm pretty sure are spoof sites  - which I've not come across before ( and I do a lot of browsing) 

Odd that they ALL....
claim availability of the CAC2781  
offer free shipping over £33 
have no obvious 'real world' address contact info
pinched the same 3 google reviews of the product

Some ones going to a lot of effort to get our Credit card details ?

I have broken the links ( a space in the WWW )  so as not to give them any accidental web traffic / business 

https://ww w.zfirstmsg.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=125866
https://ww w.jmandatek.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=140006
https://ww w.ricolorq.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=128319

bob_a_builder

GDB2222 said:

You know, I hadn't realised that there's so much to bathroom pull switches.

I need to get a new bit of string for ours, as DW snapped it. Presumably, nylon braid? What thickness?

Assuming your not pulling our string ?  ;-)

2 or 3 mm  ish

DiddyDavies

bob_a_builder said:

But the plot thickens because the TLC site ( your earlier picture ) lists it as a CM2781  ( which doesn't show up on Contactum site )

A google search by me for CAC2781  seems to indicate the product is not widely/ no longer  available - although is still listed on Contactum site 
But not found anyone with any stock so far 

CM2781 is the TLC electrical product code for the Contactum CAC2781.
If you have a look on the TLC page, ( written in the blue box just above the switch description) you will see this:

6 Amp 1 Way Ceiling Pull Cord Switch                                              CAC2781

bob_a_builder

fenwick458 said:

I can confirm there are silent pull switches out there, just can't remember which brand. I bought a box a few years back, I think they were a cheap brand from the senate (rexel) budget range, and they were nothing but trouble.
because they didn't emit an audible click accompanied by a snapping sensation on the string which most people are used to, people just just used to pull them until either the string snapped or they came off the ceiling.
all they needed was a tiny tug and then release to switch on/off, but as people expect a clicking noise, they just kept pulling...
same type of switch is fitted in disabled toiled alarms, only the faintest tug and release and they go off, silently

You would like to think the feedback of the light coming on and going off would be enough, wouldn't you ?