How to Install a Pull String Light Fixture

Hi, I am Mark Donovan from HomeAdditionPlus.com and today, we are going to replacing a pull chain light switch. The old pull chain light switch we have up here has a broken string coming from it. We could try to replace the string but inevitably, the joints inside that hold the string fail over time so we might as well go ahead and replace the entire pull chain itself.

So first thing we got to do is we are going to turn off the power to the circuit breaker. For safety precaution, the first thing you want to do when changing pull chain light switch is to turn off the power to it so you do not inadvertently shock yourself. So, we are going to throw the switch the circuit breaker. The first thing we need to do is we are going to remove the bulb from the pull chain assembly and now, we are going to basically just remove the screws that hold the pull chain assembly to the outer post. Then we are going to remove the black and white wires from the lamp holder assembly so that we can put in a new one. Let us replace it.

Now, we have this new lamp holder just about installed where we have taken the black wires and attached them to one set of the logs and the two white wires attach to the other log. We simply wrap the wires around the screw and then tighten up. Then we are going to push the lamp holder up against flash with the electrical box and simply attach it with the screws that are provided. When tightening up the screws to the lamp holder, particularly in the case when it is a ceramic lamp holder or porcelain lamp holder, you want to make sure you do not over tighten screws such that you would crack the lamp holder itself. So just lightly tighten up and snug but do not over tight. Then we just have to attach the string to the pull chain piece that extends an inch below the porcelain lamp holder itself. You simply press fit it in and you are all set. When connecting the string to the pull chain itself, sometimes you need a pair of nose pliers just to push the ball of the chain into the socket section of the string assembly and there you go.

With the lamp holder now securely in place on the electrical box, the pull string is on, all we have to do is screw on the light bulb and turn power back on to the lamp itself. So with the power turned back on the at the circuit breaker box, we just have to do a quick test and wow, we have a light switch that is working.


Transcription by: Scribe4you Transcription Services