A pull switch, also known as pull-cord switch, or light pull, or pull chain is a

switch In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The most common type o ...

that is actuated by means of a

chain A chain is a serial assembly of connected pieces, called links, typically made of metal, with an overall character similar to that of a rope in that it is flexible and curved in compression but linear, rigid, and load-bearing in tension. A ...

string String or strings may refer to: *String (structure), a long flexible structure made from threads twisted together, which is used to tie, bind, or hang other objects Arts, entertainment, and media Films * ''Strings'' (1991 film), a Canadian anim ...

History

An electric pull switch is attached to a toggle type switch: one pull to switch on and next pull to switch off. It was invented by

Harvey Hubbell Harvey Hubbell II (born 1857, Connecticut) was an American inventor, entrepreneur, and industrialist. His best-known inventions are the U.S. electrical plug and the pull-chain light socket. In 1888, at the age of 31, Hubbell quit his job as ...

, who was granted its patent in 1896.

Mechanics

The most common use of a pull switch is to operate a ceiling

electric light Electric light is an artificial light source powered by electricity. Electric Light may also refer to: * Light fixture, a decorative enclosure for an electric light source * Electric Light (album), ''Electric Light'' (album), a 2018 album by James ...

. The

ceiling fan A ceiling fan is a mechanical fan, fan mounted on the ceiling of a room or space, usually electric power, electrically powered, that uses hub-mounted rotation, rotating blades to wikt:circulation, circulate air. They cool people effectively by ...

and mechanical wall fans are also appliances often operated by pull switches. Pull switches may be either two-position (open or closed) or multi-position (allowing for different fan speeds or levels of illumination). Mounted inside a pull switch, there could be two types of two-position toggle switches. (In both cases the stable physical open- or closed -situation would be switch in outer and string in upper position.) One type would switch to closed (alternatively open) already during the initial pull in the string. The other type would switch to closed (or open) only when releasing ''after'' a full pull. With the first type, the weight of the string and handle could accidentally switch the load intermittently on and off, when still around the initial position (depending on the internal spring). This could potentially increase the danger of overheating in the switch. Most commercially available pull switches use a short length of

ball chain Ball chain or bead chain is a type of chain consisting of small sheet metal balls connected via short lengths of wire. The balls are hollow and have two small antipodal holes. These holes accept a short length of wire deformed on the end l ...

, which may then be connected to any number of optional leads for added length or decoration. Leads for decoration or utility are made of brass, acrylic, ceramic, or other materials. They can come in many different shapes ranging from geometric shapes to animals.

References

{{Switches Switches

History

Mechanics

See also

References