Cord Pull Removed Now Light Switch Doesn't Work

[watworth]

Hi all, just wondered if someone could help with this one. Basically, we had a plasterer in today to skim the ceiling in our back bedroom. There was a cord switch in there which we've never used in 5 years because the previous owners had cut the cord back to the base. As far as we knew it didn't work so when the plasterer asked us if it was connected to anything we said it wasn't as far as we knew. So he whipped it off and has plastered over gap - now I've just gone to switch the light on a few hours later using the wall switch and it's not working.

Any ideas what's happened? As far as I knew was that it wouldn't affect the other switch in a 2-way switch? Is it possible that it could have been "locked" in an off position? If so, how easy would this be to sort out?

 

[OwainDIYer]

If it was a two-way switch then the wires have to be left connected as though the switch were in one position, not removed completely.

Having a live cable to exposed ends buried in the plaster is unacceptable.

Can you carefully remove the screws from the wall switch and pull it forward and see what cables are in it?

 

[wingcoax]

Pound to a penny it was still in circuit even if not used. you need an electrician to sort it out because at least one of the cables could/will be live.

 

[watworth]

I'll have a try at removing the switch tomorrow when I'll be able to turn the fuse off and see properly and post again.

Wingcoax - this is probably the usual question but do you know if this would be a big job for an electrician or pretty routine for them? I'm just at the end of my tether with stuff around the house and can't really afford much more spending!

Thanks to you both for replying though - any and all help is very appreciated.

 

[wingcoax]

Pretty routine

 

[mikeyd]

Most likely an electrician would be in and out in 30 minutes. (Guessing there is a loft/attic above the bedroom)

In the current state it is potentially dangerous, so don't put it off (fixing it) if you don't use the room much.

But as above, have a look at the back of the wall switch with the power off in daylight and report back.

 

[watworth]

Thanks, that's some relief - this plastering was supposed to be the last of a long line of problems we've had so I was panicking that there'd be loads more to sort now

There is a loft above - getting in and out is a different matter though (long story).

Thanks again and I'll post once I've had a look behind the switch.

 

[TonyW2]

Could be time to start a bit of DIY, Should be sortable for under £5. Can you get to the cables in the loft where the ceiling pull switch was?