An electrical pull switch is a device which is used to switch on or off electric lights and fans in the ceiling with the help of a string or chain. It is attached to a toggle type switch to turn the device on in one pull and to switch it off in the next pull. It has got safety advantages in a damp environment as the user is separated from the electric line and is unlikely to come in direct contact with an exposed electrical circuit. Several problems may come up while dealing with this device and lead to technical questions that need answers from electricians. This article answers some of the most commonly asked questions, thereby providing useful information that can help you when you encounter problems.

I have a ceiling fan and I needed to replace the pull switch that operates it. The new switch has red, black and blue wire while my old one had a black wire going in and another black one going out to a bulb socket. How can I wire the switch?
There are two types of pull chain switches for ceiling fans. One is âEUR~fan switchâEUR(TM) that controls the speed of the fan which usually has three wires. The second type of pull chain is available with âEUR~on and offâEUR(TM) mechanism which comes with two black wires for âEUR~in and outâEUR(TM) purpose. Get a pull chain replacement for the light and wire nut a black wire on this switch to the light and the other wire to the fan. This should help you.

Do I have to replace just the damaged pull cord or do I need to replace the whole switch that operates my exhaust fan?
It is possible to make by tying an extension onto the cord. However, its always advisable to buy a new set of switch and cord as they are not meant to be sold separately to replace the pull cord only.

The electric pull switch in the flat below me makes noise when in use. How do I find a solution to this problem?
Installing a wall switch outside the room would help you, but it might prove to be a little labor intensive. The other way out is to lower the pull switch and inject an entire can of expanding foam into the space above it. It would stop the resonance and would make less noise once you put the switch back.

I have to replace a pull down switch that operates the light, but the wires on the replacement I bought do not fit the original connectors. How do I go about with this issue?
You could try to just connect the wires by their color by using the smallest wire nut.

Frequent use of a pull switch can lead to damage that needs to be fixed. We should do a proper step by step check up whenever there is any problem related to this device to ensure it is well maintained and damage-free. However, if the problem seems to be little serious, then you should always seek the help of a licensed electrician to troubleshoot the same. This article answered just some of the common problems with pull switches. There could be a number of other circumstances and situations and you could have questions of your own about this device. If you have questions of your own, feel free to