Adding a pull switch to a wall light

[Hammer Head]

Hi all
I recent bought the ikea ledsjo wall light to replace an existing wall light and shaver unit above my bathroom mirror. What I didn't take into account, was that the existing unit had a pull cord attached (the only way to turn it on/off) and the new light does not. I've seen some replacement pull cord switches online, and I'm wondering if it would be possible to make a hole in the new plastic fitting and wire the pull cord into the existing wiring. There's a red, a black and a green wire coming out of the wall at the moment, and the fitting only seems to have connection points for the live and neutral wires. I think the wire is constantly live at the moment, but it's well taped up. I'm a complete beginner, so appreciate any advice explained without any specialist terminology. Thanks so much for any help!

 

[ericmark]

The problem is to alter any unit it would invalidate the type testing, in a bathroom BS EN 61558-2-5 is what we look for, also BS EN 60529 much depends on location and what zone it is deemed to be in, anywhere other than bathroom then it would be possible, but bathroom is a special location so not easy.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Can you put a pull switch in the ceiling, to turn the permanent live you have to a switched one?

 

[Iggifer]

Eric it's just a mirror light so 61558-2-5 definitely won't be concerned with the fitting. It's only IP44 so may well be modifiable but I'm sure there's a better way.

OP, how do you currently switch your bathroom lights on? Pull cord? If you pop up into the loft and trace the cables there's likely a junction box, from which there will be a permanent live and neutral to your shaver light. You can adjust this so either - it comes on with the current lights or you can rejig it so you could fit another ceiling pull cord just for the wall light.

Either of these might be easier than modifying the light fitting - but if that's your preferred method then yes, you can get pull cords that would simple break the live supply inside the wall light.

Edit: Damn, too slow and BAS was much more succinct

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Edit: Damn, too slow and BAS was much more succinct

But you beat me on thoroughness - I didn't look to see what type of light it is.


If it's a mirror light then a proximity switch behind it might be another option.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Quite honestly (for you) it would be easier, better, safer to take it back and buy a light that does have its own switch.

 

[Hammer Head]

Thanks so much for everyone's' advice!
Eric, I think it would be zone 3 (if that is a zone?)
BAS and Iggifer, there is a pull cord to operate the ceiling light in the bathroom, but we live in a flat and I'm not sure how overjoyed the lady upstairs would be to have us rooting underneath her floorboards. But I will have a look in the smallish hole where the ceiling light is fitted to see if I can access the junction box from there.
Taylortwocities, I'm beyond that point. Have already spray painted part of the light fitting before realising my oversight. But I'm willing to put in the time/effort to save, and will run it all past my moderately electrics savvy dad before connecting.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You could be brave, use your electrical skills and add one of these to the IKEA light


What did you do with the old light? If that had a switch maybe you could use that?

 

[Hammer Head]

Thanks TTC. I think that's what I'll try. I found one on the old light, but that's been sitting in the garden waiting to be recycled for a fair while, so might not be wise to use that one.