One thing to note however is that the switches do differ slightly. Whereas the 6 amp switch is single pole, the 45 amp switch will be double pole as it needs to be able to isolate both the live and neutral.

Form a knot and then lower the finial to cover it. Other types of finial are available, such as timber or porcelain/ceramic, from hardware or DIY stores. To do this, turn off the MCB of the lighting circuit you’re working on or if a fuse board, pull out the fuse. Pull cord switches are very handy items as they can be used in a variety of situations such as bathrooms and the similar where a standard tumble-type switch cannot be used. For the first part of this guide we will work through replacing a standard 6 amp pull cord light switch. From step 6 we will explain changing a 45 amp isolation switch. Step 1 – Isolate the Switch and CircuitBefore you disconnect any wires always test the wires and make sure that they are not live – you don’t know who installed it and if it’s installed properly so it’s better to be safe than sorry. To save a little time and fatigue, loosen the terminal screws on the new switch also. Step 4 – Connect New Switch Some pull switches feature a light which indicates when the switch is on. These are ideal for applications like electric showers as it is not obvious when they are switched on or off otherwise. Types of Pull Switch Step 3 – Using some maintenance spray such as WD40, apply the lubricant to the inside of the switch, where the wires are connected, especially in around the pull cord section

Pull switch alarms often have a red cord or handle to draw attention. They are used in disabled toilets, for example, if someone needs to raise the alarm for assistance. Therefore pull switch alarms need to stand out in case of emergency. 1-Way vs. 2-Way Pull Cord Switches Step 1 – Firstly isolate the power to the circuit you are working on in your consumer unit by turning off the MCB for that circuit or if a fuse box, pulling out the fuse. If you are unsure which is which, turn off all the power using the main isolator switch Undo the screws on your new switch where the wires will go – feed the main cable through the base and screw the base into the ceiling. Now you can connect the wires – just make sure you tighten the screws properly and if the earth wire is present that you put a sleeve on it and connect it to its place on the base plate. As you can see in this picture whoever installed it they never bothered connecting the earth to its place for some reason.

How do they work?

Using a flat blade screwdriver, loosen each terminal for each wire and pull them free, ensuring terminals are loose enough to easily pull them out. As stated, in the majority of cases they are used in areas subject to water and moisture as the fact that you have a pull cord to turn the light or appliance on and off you are no where near any electrical internals that could easily have water splashed onto them causing serious electrical injury. The very first job to do before anything is to ensure the electricity is isolated for the circuit you will be working on.