Silent pull cord light switches?

NBee · 9 May 2008

Hi all.

My own bathroom light switch is loud enough - but at least it's me who uses it! When my downstairs neighbour click-clicks their switch at night it keeps me awake, it's ridiculously loud. And when there's two or three of them using the bathroom in a row, it seems to be an endless festival of clicking - infuriating. I've tried insulating the floor but it didn't make a bit of difference.

So, I want to ask them if they would mind if I change the switch at my expense. Assuming they say Yes - I just have to find one! Who knows if and where I can buy a bathroom light switch with a silent pull cord? I've done a bit of digging around and haven't come up with anything yet.

Help me from going insane, please...

stargazer · 9 May 2008

I'm not sure you will ever find a silent pull cord switch, but some make more noise than others. I had a nice quiet pullcord in our bathroom for years until it failed.
I replaced it with an MK version which is as noisy as hell, so avoid MK unless they’ve improved the design.
I understand dimmable pull cord switches are quieter but have never tried one.
Have a look at the link below.
http://www.lightingstyles.co.uk/Dimpull_-_bathroom_pull_cord_dimmer.htm

tim west · 9 May 2008

Might be cheaper to buy them a torch

stargazer · 9 May 2008

But then the OP will have to keep buying batteries for ever and ever.
No, the best option is to move your neighbour's bathroom into the garden.
If your neighbours object, tell them to stop their middle-class whinging, and explain that's how things were done in the old days - dunny in an outhouse at the bottom of the garden.
Sorted.

aptsys · 9 May 2008

I've bought several pull cord switches as I also cannot stand the noise. The Crabtree ones seem to be the best.

securespark · 9 May 2008

Historically, Volex are the quietest - I find. Whether you can still get them, not sure.

EDIT: Found it:

http://www.electrika.com/products/m/man-0440/pdfcat/c-06-021.pdf

IF they haven't changed the design, it's quite quiet.

NBee · 9 May 2008

Thanks aptsys and securespark. I will check out both those recommendations.

Just to be sure I'm getting the right thing, am I looking for a 6A ceiling switch, and should it be 1 way or 2 way?

Cheers.

RF Lighting · 9 May 2008

Depends what type the existing switch is...

ban-all-sheds · 9 May 2008

Has it always been like this, or have they recently done something to change it?

SeanT · 9 May 2008

The dimmable ones are completely silent when you pull the cord, but buzz like hell when they are on, even on full brightness....

Taylortwocities · 9 May 2008

Or install a ceiling mounted PIR.
They do tend to switch off if you're on the potty for too long though!

ACIDTECHNO · 28 Mar 2009

Surely there's a market for these things? I've often wondered where to get one. Working shifts, going to the toilet in the middle of the night, I'm always in trouble for making too much noise.
Silent cisterns and taps would sell like hotcakes as well!

EDIT: sorry, just noticed the age of this thread!

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Silent pull cord light switches?

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