Mystery bathroom light

[2Margaret]

Our bungalow was rewired 11 years ago and we have had no problems with the electrics until....... After a 2 week holiday on our return the bathroom light does not come on when the cord is pulled. Pulling it on and off seems to make no difference but if left 'on' the light comes on after about 30 secs. Any ideas?

[boxtops]

perhaps the bulb is loose in the socket - have a look.

[sunny-dave]

It may be charging some sort of battery in the fitting - leave it on for a few hours & then see if it behaves normally again after that.

Or boxtops may be right ^^^

[old-wos-is-name]

You probably need a new pull cord unit. mine does the same. you can buy them in B&q for a couple of quid. easy to fit , just two wires. ( turn off power at consumer unit first)

[wildwood]

Maybe first you want to try cleaning the contact points. Even brass will oxidise in a constantly damp environment. The no-use for two weeks has giving the moisture time to build up corrosion between the point. Of course, make doubly sure the power is off before doing any electrical work.

[AlBags]

Yes ... swap the pull-cord switch. The contact spring has gone .. or the terminals burned.

[Andyvon]

I agree. It certainly sounds like bad contacts in the switch unit.

[2Margaret]

Thank you for your helpful answers. Will try cleaning the contacts and if necessary change the unit. The strange thing is sometimes it comes on and sometimes it doesn't!

[The Builder]

A common problem Margaret. Easier to replace the switch.

[dzug2]

The pull cord may be sticking. And yes that can be intermittent

Mine does occasionally and usually rights itself after a while. If it persists the switch needs replacing