Replacing a pull switch for an extractor fan

[Pearlyman]

The pull switch for my bathroom extractor fan has broken and therefore needs replacement...

I assumed this would be a simply enough job: disconnect old switch; buy new switch; connect new switch in the same fashion as old switch.

However, there is a problem...

My old switch is 15A pull switch, with neon indicator, made by a company called Rock Ashley. Apparently they stopped trading around 15 years ago - which should give some idea of the age of the switch !

Consequently, I can't get a direct replacement - in fact, the replacement switch that I've been sold, looks nothing like the one that is currently in use (though the guy in the shop assured me it would do the job).

The old switch was circular and had 4 connections points (plus an earth).
2 were labelled 'in' and into one of these, went 2 red wires.
The other 2 were not labelled and had a yellow wire and a blue wire going into them (or more accurately I suspect, leaving them).

The new switch is square in shape (I can live with that !) but has 6 connection points (plus an earth).
N, L1 & L2 (load) & N, L1 & L2 (supply).

The question is, how should I connect the new switch, to make it work like the old one did ?

Thanks in advance for any help.


PS - The switch itself is rated 10A - but presumably this is OK..?)

 

[EFLImpudence]

Do you mean the two reds and the blue and yellow went into separate terminals...

...or the two reds in the same terminal and the blue and yellow in another terminal.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

edited due to misleading information
cheers EFLI

 

[EFLImpudence]

Have reread.

two reds in supply L1
yellow in load L1.

Blue in supply N - you don't need this blue without a neon but it will be safe there.

Plus all the earths connected together, of course.

 

[EFLImpudence]

PBod the blue was a neutral for the neon.

 

[Pearlyman]

Thanks guys - I appreciate the quick responses. Whilst I'm on a roll...

The switch will connect to an extractor fan - which is also new.

Unfortuantely, when I disconnected the old one, I didn't photograph the connections, so I'm not sure how I should connect it up (it is an identical fan however, so I know it should work !).

There are 3 connection points on the fan, marked L, N & LS

My 'guess' is that I would connect the red to L; the blue to N and the yellow to LS - is this correct ?

Also - and a little more confusing - there is a single black sheathed wire, which was connected to the old fan. I believe comes from the neutral on the ceiling rose.
Which terminal should this be connected to on the fan ?

Thanks again.

 

[EFLImpudence]

My 'guess' is that I would connect the red to L; the blue to N and the yellow to LS - is this correct ?

Yes.

 

[Pearlyman]

...and what about the additional black, that seems to come from (or go to) the neutal on the ceiling rose ?
Should that be connected to the 'N' on the extractor fan ?...

 

[EFLImpudence]

Have you looked in the ceiling rose?

I would leave the black disconnected (but made safe) and see if the fan works as it should.

No need for two neutrals.


Just to be clear.

The neon on the old switch did work, didn't it?

 

[EFLImpudence]

Just thought


The black could be, as you say, from the ceiling rose - a neutral.

Then the blue takes a neutral from this to the switch for the neon.

So, likely the black should be connected to the fan but the blue is not necessary without a neon.


If the fan does not work without the black connected but does work without the blue, this would confirm it.

 

[Pearlyman]

I'm pretty sure that the black is from the ceiling rose (as sure as I can be without actually seeing the wire connecting the 2 points). There is a single cable containing red/black/earth going into the rose - plus an additional single black wire. The same black wire then seems to appear at the connection point for the fan...
I think the neon in the old switch worked. To be honest, the old fan was hardly ever used, so I can't be absolutely sure - but from what I recall, it did light.

In summary, I'll do exactly as you say:

In the switch, I'll connect the 2 reds to L1 (supply); the yellow to L1 (load) and the blue to N (supply).

In the fan, I'll connect the red to L; the yellow to LS and blue to N. Assuming this doesn't work, I'll take out the blue and connect the black instead.
Would there be an issue with having both the black and blue connected to the N - just to keep things tidy in the fan ?

 

[EFLImpudence]

In the switch, I'll connect the 2 reds to L1 (supply); the yellow to L1 (load) and the blue to N (supply).

Yes. One of the reds will be the actual supply - 240V and the other takes this to the fan for the permanent live.

In the fan, I'll connect the red to L; the yellow to LS and blue to N. Assuming this doesn't work, I'll take out the blue and connect the black instead.

Yes. Do that with the blue and black for confirmation.

Would there be an issue with having both the black and blue connected to the N - just to keep things tidy in the fan ?

No that would be best - Tidy and safe.

 

[Pearlyman]

Hopefully I'll get chance to connect everything up, over the next few days (it is never easy to find time during the school holidays !) and I'll report back on how I get on - for completeness.

I can't figure out how to formally say 'thank you' on the system - so you'll just have to settle for an informal 'thank you' ! I certainly appreciate the time you took, to help me out

 

[EFLImpudence]

You're

 

[securespark]

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