Pull switch for shower won't go off

[whitewineandsoda]

Hi All, hope someone can advise me on this.
The power pull switch for the shower is stuck in the on position. No amount of pulling will turn it off. Although the actual shower is switched off, is it dangerous or anything to leave the pull switch on, or do I need to get someone out to it? TIA WWAS.

 

[wingcoax]

Sounds very much like the contacts have fused together. Can you isolate at the CU? that would be the best way. Then get a new switch of suitable rating(50A) and replace, making sure that any discoloured and soft cable is cut back. Please ensure that all connections are secure(probably what caused the problem)

 

[ban-all-sheds]

making sure that any discoloured and soft cable is cut back.

And, when looking at the insulation, any of the cable where this has gone hard.

 

[Lectrician]

Overheated cable due to a loose connection usually goes an odd colour and rock hard. Not soft.

I wouldn't say the contacts have fused together, rather the pull cord mechanism has simply gone squit.

A new pull cord is required, weather you feel this is something you can do or not is upto you, but the main thing is, as said, to make sure you do the terminals up tightly.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Also you can get debris from ceiling void falling into the pull cord switch enclosure from above. This can jam the mechanism, so may just need a bit of clean out. So if no signs of burning contacts and damaged cables, this could be the reason behind it not functioning.
Isolate circuit and prove circuit is dead before removing any switch covers.