which pull cord switch

[ban-all-sheds]

I can imagine the queues of residents using the loos in the public areas of the hotel, rather than the ones in their rooms.

 

[someonelse]

Returning from the silent switch discussion detour, back to my original issue.....

I bought a replacement switch (yes the one pictured above!) and had no difficulty wiring it in. Unfortunatly the light still didn't come on! So, sequence of events:

* light stopped coming on
* took out bulb and tested it elsewhere (it was recently new) - bulb worked fine
* concluded the switch was the problem and bought new switch
* fitted new switch - light did not come on
* took out bulb to double check - bulb works fine elsewhere
* put different bulb in - light comes on but with a flicker as it's turned on
* put original bulb back in - light comes on but with a flicker as it's turned on

So my current thinking is that the bulb fitting into which the bulb fits is loose/faulty.

This is an old-fashioned standard bayonet fitting, and old-fashioned incandescent bulb (so should not flicker).

Given that it now works, (though with this flicker that suggests something loose) I could just ignore (till it fails again). Or should I investigate further and if so how?

 

[John D v2.0]

Sounds like a faulty bulb holder, or a loose terminal in the bulb holder.
Check both those next, don't leave a loose connection there.

 

[someonelse]

When the bulb is screwed in, it wobbles slightly if moved from side to side. Might that be the issue?

 

[John D v2.0]

BC bulbs always pivot slightly due to the sprung terminals. But nothing should be flickering.

 

[SUNRAY]

I don't know about the MK one but get the British General one as it's probably the quietest switch you will find.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKTnqrWEo9cCFQqo7Qodxn4G8w

Ever since I altered the bathroom I've intended to replace the new light pull switch with a 45A pull switch to match the one beside it as it is almost inaudible when operated.
I guess it may not happen now as it's been like it for 6 years
And yes the light switch does wake up other members of the household but the toilet flush does not, in fact it is only noticeable in one bedroom.

 

[333rocky333]

View attachment 129857

When the bulb is screwed in, it wobbles slightly if moved from side to side. Might that be the issue?

That light looks like the type that has a screw on glass ball, I recall if a high wattage lamp was used it often damaged the lampholder and sometimes the wires to it

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Don't be surprised if you ever find that you've got a large crop of this all over the ceiling, will you.

I believe it can sometimes be a health hazard.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

That light looks like the type that has a screw on glass ball

It also looks like the type meant to be fixed to a ceiling, not rotated through 90°. With traditional incandescent GLS bulbs you'd get away with that, but if a heavy CFL or LED is used I could well see that not making good contact if the springs are a little tired.

 

[someonelse]

That light looks like the type that has a screw on glass ball, I recall if a high wattage lamp was used it often damaged the lampholder and sometimes the wires to it

It also looks like the type meant to be fixed to a ceiling, not rotated through 90°. With traditional incandescent GLS bulbs you'd get away with that, but if a heavy CFL or LED is used I could well see that not making good contact if the springs are a little tired.

Spot on!

Screw on glass ball with 100w traditional incandescent GLS bulb inside.

Can you suggest a reasonable replacement light? Needs to be bright and fit in the same place (so wall not ceiling), ideally using same screw holes (5cm apart). It's beside the bath if that limits the choice.

 

[someonelse]

New globe light.New LED bulb. Problem solved.

Thanks to all.

 

[aptsys]

I don't know about the MK one but get the British General one as it's probably the quietest switch you will find.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/british-...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CKTnqrWEo9cCFQqo7Qodxn4G8w

The cheapie one is quiet too: https://www.screwfix.com/p/2-way-10ax-ceiling-pull-cord-switch/70874

MK and Crabtree ones are notoriously noisy.

 

[someonelse]

New globe light.New LED bulb. Problem solved.

Thanks to all.

Ahhh! Spoke too soon!


It worked for a few days and then darkness! The switch is new, and sounds/feels like it works when pulled. The light and bulb are new. Ony thing I can think of now is someone in the attic has taken a mouthful of cable. Could that cause it or would that just short out the trip switch?

Maybe nearly time to call an electrician in. I can't keep peeing at night by torchlight!

 

[echoes]

I can't keep peeing at night by torchlight!

But much preferable to the widely discredited
'listen for the target' method.

 

[EFLImpudence]

I never miss.