In a million closets across this great land, there are ceiling light fixtures that no longer work. It is not that the bulb in the fixture is blown out or that the power to the light is cut. In more cases than not, it is the pull chain switch that has gone bad.
Yes, over time, the pull chain mechanism can grow weak and feeble until it no longer works properly. When this occurs, the light may continually stay on, while at other times you may pull on the string to only have the light bulb flare on for a second or until you release the string.
Fixing this problem is easy, quick and inexpensive. Here is replace a pull chain switch.
Instructions
1. Purchase a new pull chain switch from your local hardware store. They generally cost only a dollar or two.
2. Turn OFF the circuit that feeds the light. If you do not know which circuit supplies the power, remove the cover from the light and remove the two screws that are holding the fixture in place.
Carefully allow the fixture to hang by the wires. Hold the touch-style voltage tester up to the wires and press the button on the tester. Check each wire. The tester will light up or beep (or both depending on the tester) when you find the wire supplying the power.
3. If you have someone to help you, then this is where they come in handy. Have your helper turn individual breakers OFF until you find the one that is supplying power to the light.
When you find the right breaker, leave it OFF.
4. Leave the fixture hanging by the wires. On the side of the fixture, you will see the pull chain. You will notice that the actual switch is a small, round component on the inside of the fixture.
Where the actual chain exits the switch, you will see a brass cap. Unscrew the brass cap and remove it. This will release the body of the pull chain switch from the fixture.
5. The will have two wires exiting its body of which one wire is connected to the feed wire and the other is connected to the wire from the light socket. Remove the wire nuts connecting these wires and remove the old pull chain switch.
6. Grab the new pull chain switch and fish the chain through the hole on the side of the fixture where you removed the old one. Slide the brass cap over the chain and screw it onto the threads on the switch neck. This will secure the new switch in place.
7. Take the feed wire from the wall and connect it to one of the wires from the pull chain switch (it does not matter which wire you pick). Tighten a wire nut over the pair of wires and wrap electrical tape over the connection.
Take the other wire on the pull chain switch and connect it to the wire coming off of the light socket the same way.
8. Tuck the wires into the back of the light fixture, being careful not to pinch any between the fixture and the wall or ceiling. Secure the fixture to the wall or ceiling box.
9. Install a new light bulb, replace the cover and add the extension string to the new pull chain.
10. Restore the power to the light and you should now have a working closet light! Alas, only 999,999 closet lights to go!
Tags: pull chain, pull chain switch, chain switch, chain switch, power light, chain switch from