Replacing light switch in bathroom

[tapir]

Ok, this will probably be a dumb question, but the anonymity of the internet at least stops me from being too embaressed

I have a pull switch in my bathroom that controls the downlighters, and also the extractor. The spring in it has gone, and so I need to replace it. I went to the local diy store, and found two types of switch - one without information, and another that said 5A - I'm really not sure which one I need, and I suspect that even when I take the broken one down, I'll be none the wiser. Any suggestions or tips? I never fitted the switch, so have no idea of it's history.

Thanks in advance!

 

[333rocky333]

There are various types
1 way
2way
double pole

Each may be either
5 amp
6 amp
10 amp
15 amp or more


Most common would be a 1way, 5amp or 6amp pullswitch.
But a 10 amp may be better, depending on the load of the lights , and the mcb rating of the circuit

when you take the old one down
Isolate power
count how many terminals have wires in.
Do diagram of wires and where they go, and mark any that are same colour.
You will need that info to refit the new one

Not including the earth which should connect within the backbox parking terminal
If only two terminals are used get a 1way
If two out of THREE terminals are used also get a 1 way
If four out of FOUR terminals are used get a double pole

The amp rating will be near the terminals, but does not mean it is right for the load,if the downlights are recent compared to the switch and may be the reason the old one failed.

 

[tapir]

Helpful information

Thank you for your post, that's exactly the information I will need - appreciate it!