The forum is more complicated than the electrical wiring I want help with...

[spg]

...though I'm not likely to die if I make a mistake on the forum. I would like to post the following question in the DIY forum:

I have replaced a wall light fitting which was operated by a wall switch near the door with a wall light fitting (in the same location as the previous wall light fitting) which incorporates a pull cord switch however, the pull cord is not near the door. The room is a ground floor w.c in my house. Does that meet UK regulations or must the pull cord be near to the door - where the previous light switch was? Thanks for any help offered.

 

[Spoon]

Are you saying that you have taken the switch wiring out of the new light circuit and are just relying on the pull cord?

 

[telectrix]

firstr thing is.... does the room contain a bath or a shower? if not, the there's nothing wrong with your set-up.

 

[spg]

@Spoon: Correct, I have removed the switch and associated wiring.

@telectrix: No bath, no shower. Currently there is just a toilet (but I'm thinking of replacing the current toilet with a new toilet with cistern/sink combination. Closest point of cistern and light would be just over 1 metre.

Thanks for your responses.

 

[telectrix]

no problem then. all you have to concern yourself with is that the light is suitable for the environment.

 

[spg]

I have read anecdotally that a light switch must be 1200mm from the finished floor surface and although I've not read anything regarding pull cord light positioning it seems likely to be specified if such a specification exists for a standard light switch.

 

[driverman]

You say you have removed the original light switch, is that correct? If so why (out of interest) and how have you made it safe? i could be reading this all wrong though.

 

[spg]

@telectrix: Thanks, as the room is often damp (1950s construction of outdoor w.c.) I took the precaution of buying an IP44 bathroom light. Previously it was just a bare bayonet type bulb in a white plastic holder without room to shade or cover the bulb due to the proximity of the ceiling. I have seen condensation dripping off the bulb - it was a concern.

 

[spg]

@driverman: The previous light switch was wired power first to the light, then to the switch so I was able to remove the switch wiring to the light without effecting the power to the light. I removed the switch mostly because the cable/conduit connecting it did not adhere to the contours of the wall such that in places there was a 5cm gap behind the cable/conduit and wall and it passed in front of the window to the room. It didn't seem safe and was ugly. I can buy a longer cable and new conduit to fit it more accurately should it be recommended that a switch be used. Thanks for your response.

 

[telectrix]

I have read anecdotally that a light switch must be 1200mm from the finished floor surface and although I've not read anything regarding pull cord light positioning it seems likely to be specified if such a specification exists for a standard light switch.

that is a building regulation for the height of wall switches in new-builds. . the 1200mm height is to allow access by disabled persons. it has nothing to do with your situation.