Replacing the Pull Chain
- 1 Pop open the switch using a small screwdriver. ...
- 2 Remove the broken piece of chain from the mechanism. ...
- 3 Put a longer piece of chain in the old chain’s spot. ...
- 4 Reassemble the switch by putting the chain and spring back into place. ...
- 5 Place the switch back inside the fixture and reattach the switch nut. ...
How to fix a stuck pull chain on light fixture?
What to Do When the Pull Chain for a Light Is Stuck
- Turn Off the Power. ...
- Remove the Lightbulb, Fixture, Covers, and Accessories. ...
- Unhook the Wiring. ...
- Replace the Old Switch and Chain With New Ones. ...
- Reattach the Wires. ...
- Put All Covers, Accessories and Fixture Back in Place. ...
- Reinsert the Lightbulb. ...
- Turn On the Power. ...
- Test the New Pull Chain. ...
How to replace a ceiling fan pull?
How to Replace a Ceiling Fan Pull
- Switch Off Electric Power. Switch off the electric power through the circuit breaker control or directly from the switch in the wall.
- Remove Bulbs and Glass Coverings. Remove the bulbs and the glass covering from the fan’s lighting area. ...
- Detach Lighting Assembly. ...
- Remove the Pull Chain. ...
- Pull out Old Chain Switch. ...
- Attach New Chain Switch. ...
- Reattach the Chain. ...
How to repair the pull chain on a lamp?
- Turn off the light switch, if the light is turned on and off at the switch.
- Remove any globe covering the light bulb.
- Loosen the two screws holding the fixture in place, and gently pull the fixture down about 6 inches from the junction box.
- Tilt the fixture so that the wiring is accessible.
How to add a pull switch to a ceiling light?
How to Add a Pull Switch to a Ceiling Light
- Turn off the power to the light switch at the circuit breaker.
- Take the light fixture off of the ceiling, remove the wire connectors from the wires and untwist the wires.
- Unscrew the bulb from the fixture and pull the bulb socket free. ...

Can you replace just the pull chain on a light fixture?
Pull chain light fixtures are easy to replace when the switch wears out or breaks. We show you how to replace it safely and quickly. It'll only take about 15 minutes.
How do you fix a pull chain on a light bulb?
What to Do When the Pull Chain for a Light Is StuckTurn off the power.Remove the lightbulb, fixture, covers, and accessories.Unhook the wiring.Replace the old switch and chain with new ones.Reattach the wires.Put all covers, accessories, and the fixture back in place.Reinsert the lightbulb.Turn on the power.More items...
How do you install a pull chain light fixture?
3:187:28How To Install A Light Fixture With Pull Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you can just put those in right at the end. And then rotate around this outside. And that willMoreSo you can just put those in right at the end. And then rotate around this outside. And that will give you the right radius of bend that you need to connect those up to the terminals.
How do you change a pull chain light switch?
1:3912:30How To Change A Pull-Chain Light Switch To A Push Lever ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInsert your wire there and close it and you can it's reusable. Very easy to use we need to have aMoreInsert your wire there and close it and you can it's reusable. Very easy to use we need to have a new light holder this is going to be the non pull switch version.
How do you fix a pull on a lamp?
4:447:23Pull Chain Lamp Socket - How to Repair / Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou want to wrap the wire around the in the direction that you tighten the screw. So you tighten theMoreYou want to wrap the wire around the in the direction that you tighten the screw. So you tighten the screw by turning clockwise.
How do you fix a lamp chain?
0:031:07Lamp Chain Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's possible to fix these guys and. And you don't have to get a whole new light all right and thenMoreIt's possible to fix these guys and. And you don't have to get a whole new light all right and then all I have to do is sort of screw everything back in and push out all the wires.
How does a pull chain light fixture work?
0:171:49How Does a Pull Chain Switch Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipContact on each side of the wheel that's joined the whole way across the back and we'll look at lookMoreContact on each side of the wheel that's joined the whole way across the back and we'll look at look at that in a minute. So we pull that chain this wheel turns 90 degrees.
How does a pull cord light work?
Pull switches and cords, also known as light pulls, turn on the light switch when the string is pulled down. They are most used in the bathroom and are designed to protect the user by keeping the circuit up high, away from water. Pull switches and cords can also be used for extractor fans or electric showers.
How do you replace an old light fixture?
Installing a Light FixtureStep 1: Turn Off the Power. ... Step 2: Remove the Old Fixture. ... Step 3: Tighten the Screws. ... Step 4: Connect the Wires. ... Step 5: Secure the Base or Canopy. ... Step 6: Install the Bulbs. ... Step 7: Install the Trim and Cover.
How do you fix a pull chain on a basement light?
1:164:16How To Repair A Pull Chain Light Fixture - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo with the fixture out you'll notice we've got two screws here holding our white wire and our blackMoreSo with the fixture out you'll notice we've got two screws here holding our white wire and our black wire. To this fixture we're going to loosen those screws.
How do you install a wall switch for a light fixture?
1:162:31How to Add a Wall Switch to a Ceiling Fixture | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse wire strippers to expose the wire ends of the cable. To wire the fixture to the new wall switchMoreUse wire strippers to expose the wire ends of the cable. To wire the fixture to the new wall switch first connect the new copper grounding wire to the fixture.
How do you wire a 3 way switch to a 2 way switch?
Disconnect the three wires from the three-way switch. Connect the wire from the common lug to the switch leg of the two-way switch, and connect the traveler leg that was hot from the test above to the power leg of the two-way switch. Carefully, tuck the wires into the box. Reinstall the switch screws and cover plate.
How does a pull chain light work?
0:041:49How Does a Pull Chain Switch Work? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the light turns off. But there's a really neat mechanism that this chain is attached to thatMoreAnd the light turns off. But there's a really neat mechanism that this chain is attached to that actually makes or breaks that circuit to turn the light on and off.
How does a pull cord light switch work?
Pull switches and cords, also known as light pulls, turn on the light switch when the string is pulled down. They are most used in the bathroom and are designed to protect the user by keeping the circuit up high, away from water. Pull switches and cords can also be used for extractor fans or electric showers.
How do you replace a lamp cord and socket?
A cord goes into the base of the lamp, threads up through the body and is wired to the socket at two screw terminals....Step 1: Disassemble the Lamp. Unplug the lamp from the electrical outlet so it is getting no power. ... Step 2: Remove the Socket. ... Step 3: Connect the New Socket. ... Step 4: Reassemble the Lamp.
How do you fix a hanging loose light fixture?
0:091:24Canopy Loose after hanging pendant light - fix. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimply loosen the compression nut gently pull down on the cord to flex the spindle arm and keepMoreSimply loosen the compression nut gently pull down on the cord to flex the spindle arm and keep holding it down slide the canopy up against the ceiling.
How do you fix a pull chain on a light fixture?
To repair a pull chain light switch, you need to unscrew the bulb holder from the switch plate. Remove the old bulb and replace it with a new one. Screw the bulb holder back into place.
How do you unstick a pull chain?
1 To unstick a ceiling fan’s chain, you need to tighten the screw that holds the chains to the ceiling. After tightening the screw, you can remove the chain. 2 To open a stuck light fixture, you need to loosen its screws. Then, pull the fixture away from the wall until the screws pop out.
How do you bypass the pull chain on a ceiling fan light?
To bypass the pull chain on the ceiling fan light, you need to remove the switch plate from the ceiling. Once you remove the switch plate , you can easily access the pull chain. Remove the screws holding the switch plate to the ceiling. Then, remove the switch plate. Now, you can easily access and repair the pull chain.
What to do if a pull chain snapped off?
If only the last few inches of a pull chain has snapped off, you can easily replace it with a chain extender; but if the entire chain snapped off at the base of the pull you'll need to replace the entire socket shell. Be careful when working with anything electrical, as failing to take proper precautions could cause an electric shock.
How to unscrew a lamp base?
Unscrew the socket base off the lamp by holding the nut beneath the base with a pair of pliers and twisting the base off.
How to connect a lamp to a socket?
Pull the cord through the bottom of the lamp and press the socket into the socket base.
How to get a socket out of a switch?
Pop the socket shell from its base . The socket shell is the cylindrical component that houses the switch. If the shell doesn't come out easily, wedge a screwdriver between the base and the shell and pry it out.
How much of the wire is exposed when stripping plastic?
Strip the plastic covering off the wires so that ½ inch of the wires are exposed.
What gauge wire is used for a switch loop?
While most older houses were wired with 14-gauge knob-and-tube, for the switch loop use 12-gauge NM (nonmetallic sheathed cable), commonly known as Romex™. The cable contains a black wire, a white wire and a bare wire. Ordinarily the black wire is "hot," the white wire is "neutral," and the bare wire is "ground.".
Can you replace a pull chain with a light switch?
Replacing a pullchain with a light switch: The Weekly Fix. Although newer homes have wall switches for most overhead lighting, fixtures in older houses may be controlled by pull chains from the light. Trying to find that pull chain in the dark can be difficult – and unsafe.
Can you run wires for a wall switch?
Running wires for a wall switch is relatively easy. However, if you want to control the fixture with switches at multiple locations – at the top and bottom of a stairway, for example – the wiring will be more complex. (We won't consider these "three-way" switches here.)
How to remove the outer shell of a socket?
To remove the outer shell you simply screw it off which should reveal the inner piece, to which the wiring is attached. Get a small screwdriver and detach the wires, but be sure to note which wire goes to which screw, if the wires are colored it will certainly help you out.
How to fresh end wires?
If the wires appear worn you might want to fresh-end the wires by cutting the ends and removing about 5/8 inch of the insulation to bring out some new fresh wire.
What are the parts of a lamp socket?
A lamp socket is made up of 3 fundamental pieces, an outer shell, a cap and the inner socket piece.
What is the inner part of a light bulb?
The actual socket is the inner piece in which the light bulb is screwed into and to which the electrical wires attach. This is also the piece that contains the pull-chain mechanism. The outer cap is the outermost piece, which is fitted onto the cap to enclose the inner socket piece.
What goes to the hot lead on a lamp?
In all lamps, the hot lead goes to the gold/brass screw and the common lead goes to the silver screw. With colored wires, the hot wire (which goes to the hot lead) is usually black or red, while the common wire is white. If the wires are not colored you can easily identify the neutral/common wire by its ribbed insulation covering, ...
Where is the set screw on a socket?
Most sockets are equipped with a set screw at the back end of the cap , and keeping it untightened should enable you to adjust the angle of the pull chain by turning the socket, just make sure to tighten it before finishing up, or else your socket might move when pulling the cord. If your new socket is equipped with a cardboard insulation tube, ...
What to check before attaching a socket?
Before attaching the socket, you would want to check if the wires have an underwriter’s knot, which will prevent the wires from detaching from the screws when pulled . To tie one is really easy and this short youtube video will show you exactly how to do it.
What to do if light bulb isn't working?
If the light isn't working, test the bulb receptacle with a voltage tester. Touch one lead to the back of the receptacle and one to the wall. The power is off if you don't get a reading.
What to do if a fixture is hanging loosely from the ceiling?
If the existing fixture is hanging loosely from the ceiling, you may need to reinstall the electrical box. Make sure the new box is securely attached to a ceiling joist. If you need a ground screw, buy a green machine screw made especially for grounding. You can get one at any hardware store.
Why turn off breaker?
Turn off the breaker because attempting to do any type of electric wiring to a live circuit can cause serious injury. Once the power is off, however, the job is identical to replacing a fixture controlled by a wall switch.
How to connect black wire to white wire?
Twist the black wires together with pliers, then the white ones and finally the ground wires. Screw caps onto each wire pair. If the fixture doesn't have a ground wire, attach the circuit ground wire to a ground screw on the base of the fixture.
Do you need a wall switch to control a light fixture?
When a light fixture has a pull chain, you don't need a wall switch to control it. This simplifies the wiring, but it also means that you can't turn off the wall switch when it's time to replace the fixture.
