Pull-cord switch

Summary: Learn how to install, fit or repair a pull cord switch or a bathroom pull cord switch.

Cut off the power supply to the relevant lighting circuit from the consumer unit.
Unscrew the switch's face-plate from the ceiling mounting box.
Make a note of which cores connect to which terminals before releasing the cores from the terminals
Remove the screws holding the switch mechanism to the plastic face-plate. Keep a tight hold of both parts as you do this to prevent the spring sending small components flying in all directions as you release the screws.
Inspect the inside of the face-plate closely to understand how the switch operates. In the example shown, a small plastic spindle bearing the words ‘On' and ‘Off' turns 90°, which in turn either completes or breaks the circuit.
Remove the plastic spindle and detach the plastic peg that has the pull-cord attached to it, leaving the spring in place.
Tie a knot in one end of the replacement cord, threading the other end through the washer and peg.
Then feed the cord through the spring in the centre of the face-plate and replace the peg to secure it.
Replace the ‘On' and ‘Off' spindle into its housing.
Put the switch mechanism and the face-plate back together again.
Feed the cord emerging from the switch through the fitting that attaches it to the rest of the cord.
Reconnect the cable cores to the terminals in the switch, insulating any bare earth cores in green-and-yellow sheath.
Screw the face-plate back onto the ceiling mounting box.

Inspect the inside of the face-plate closely to understand how the switch operates.

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