Guide to changing a bathroom pull cord: turn off mains electricity, remove cover, unscrew wires and base, install new switch, reconnect wires.
Commonly seen in bathrooms, pull cord switches are mechanisms used to turn lights on and off while preventing accidental electrocution. The long string cord allows wet hands to operate the mechanism without the hazard of water reaching the circuit. While these switches are convenient, they can be harder to replace since they are often suspended from the ceiling.
Before attempting to fit a new pull light, you must familiarise yourself with the risks. As the light is directly above you, you’ll need to be comfortable using a tall ladder. More notably, you’ll need to be comfortable with circuits.
Electricity can be dangerous, especially when you don’t know what you’re doing. Handy Experts' team of skilled electricians have been working with circuits for over ten years and can change light in no time at all. Our team operates across London, so if you ever need an electrician in Chelsea, Mortlake, or Soho, you know who to call.
While we highly recommend hiring a professional electrician to help with any electrical work, here is our guide on how to change a bathroom light pull cord.
Before you go anywhere near your light switch, start by turning off your electricity. If you can’t locate the specific circuit breaker, turn off all the electricity in your house. While you may have to be in the dark for a short while, it’s a lot better than accidentally electrocuting yourself. It is also recommended to test that the circuit isn’t live before you start working on it.
Look at the cover and determine what model of switch you have. If there are screws, unscrew them to remove the cap. If it’s a twist cover, firmly grip onto the cover and twist anticlockwise to release it.
Top tip: Take a photo of the wires for later reference.
Using a flathead screwdriver, undo the screws holding the wires in place and remove the wires. Make sure you don’t loosen the screws too much, or they may fall out. Now, use a screwdriver to unscrew the base unit.
Undo the screws on your new switch and feed the wires through the base. Then, screw the base to the ceiling. Using the reference photo from earlier, reconnect the wires and tighten the screws that hold them back in place. If there is an earth wire, make sure you place a sleeve on it, then connect it to the base plate.
Are you renovating your bathroom? Handy Experts can help! Our team of experts can hang bathroom mirrors, box in bathroom pipes, and regrout bathroom tiles in no time, while you sit back and relax knowing that your bathroom is in good hands. Get in touch with our team today on 0800-0-12-12-12 or fill out our booking form to find out more.
At Handy Experts, we strongly advise that you always consider safety precautions when undertaking a DIY project. We also strongly suggest that you closely read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of any building materials, products, or tools you use for your projects.
We aim to provide you with clear and correct instructions so that you can easily complete any DIY project you desire. However, please note that the information we provide should only be used as a guideline and that some information within the text may not be entirely accurate.
When using our articles for information and advice, please note that it is your responsibility to determine whether you are capable of undertaking and executing the task you wish to complete.
Before starting a DIY task, you must inform yourself of any existing building, gas, water, and electrical works regulations. If you have any further concerns, we recommend that you complete additional research and/or contact the necessary professional body.
We also strongly recommend that a qualified tradesperson completes the relevant safety tests and checks on any DIY work you have completed.
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