How do I fix a broken bathroom pull cord ceiling light?

Hello all
I have a ceiling light in my bathroom with a pull cord to switch it on and off. The cord itself has broken from the rest of the switch and the light is stuck on at the moment. I’ve not had this happen before, so I’ve never had to try and fix it.
How could I fix this? Is the cord a replaceable part on these light switches?
Any information would be appreciated!

Asked by kashif on 2nd Sep 2019
Expert Trade Answers
"There’s usually a plastic link in the cord just below the switch. If the cord has broken here (or between the link and the Nd of the cord) it’s just a matter of feeding a new length of cord through the link and securing it with a knot. If it’s broken inside the switch, the best solution would probably be replacing the switch as it was probably already too stiff thus causing the cord to break. If you’re not sure how to do
This, employ a qualified electrician"
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since May 2019 - report
"Hi. Remove the pull cord switch cover and there should be a knot. Just remove the old knot and and attach new cord.
If it's entangled with anything electrical - you may be best to hire an electrician instead."
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Aug 2019 - report
"The cord inside the pull cord can’t be replaced if it has completely snapped from the inside of the pull cord switch itself.
I would advise you get a qualified electrician to come and fit a new pull cord it should only cost you £30-40 supply and fit
I hope this helps"
Answered on 10th May 2020 - Member since Apr 2020 - report
"You need to replace the pull cord. If you opt to replace your pull cord yourself then turn off the lighting fuse for the bathroom. This is where your consumer unit is. Unscrew the pull cord remove the two cables then replace with new pull cord. Be sure to turn off the mains power for safety."
Answered on 10th Oct 2019 - Member since Feb 2018 - report
"You will need to replace the switch. Remember safe isolation process as the supply on the switch is constant live.
If you are unsure, hire a qualified electrician to do this for you instead."
Answered on 2nd Sep 2019 - Member since Apr 2019 - report
"There is normally a little piece of string still dangling from the switch that you can attach another string to. In your case I'm afraid you'll have to buy a new switch"
Answered on 28th Mar 2020 - Member since Jan 2018 - report
"follow the string to just under the main ceiling switch there is a small plastic

Pull the string going down out and fit new string/cord

it is only a small hole so you may have to wet the new string to pull through.

otherwise its a new switch which will cost £30.00 including parts, labour and materials"
Answered on 1st May 2020 - Member since Mar 2020 - report
"If the short cord coming from the base (about 2 inches) is still in place you can buy new cords from hardware shops, if not it’s a replacement pull switch. An electrician would be required to fit as it is a special location."
Answered on 27th Jan 2020 - Member since Jan 2020 - report
"Depends on the type , probably cheaper to replace it for £80 including the fitting. Get an electrician to do it !"
Answered on 20th Apr 2020 - Member since Feb 2020 - report
"You're best off replacing the whole pull cord. By the time you've taken down the existing one and tried to replace the cord you could have replaced the whole thing."
Answered on 31st Mar 2020 - Member since Dec 2018 - report
Find Tradespeople, compare up to 3 quotes!
It's FREE and there are no obligations
Ask a Trade
Got a question that only a tradesperson can answer? We have thousands of trades ready to answer any question you may have.
Ask your question
Ask a Trade

Are you looking for advice on a DIY project or have a question for our tradespeople?

We'll email your question to tradespeople who are skilled in your chosen category.

Your question will be made public - please do not include any personal details.

{{ first(ask.errors)[0] }}

By continuing you agree to the Community Guidelines.

Report Content

{{ first(reportForm.errors) }}

Thank you

Your report has been created and will be investigated shortly.

Ready to get a price for your home improvement project?
Get started

Over 1 million homeowners and over 50,000 tradespeople
use MyJobQuote nationwide each year