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Home Decorating Electrical Wiring Lighting

Replacing Pull Chain Light Fixtures

5 years ago

I live in an old apartment that has pull chain light fixtures throughout most of the rooms (not all). I really want to update the light fixtures. Pull chain light fixtures are hard to find and they're not very attractive when you find them. I don't know how wiring works, but when I am looking for new fixtures, do I have to buy a pull chain fixture or can I buy any fixture and have it set up with a pull chain? Or are there other options? Someone told me recently about a new lighting design that is basically wireless. Is that an option for an old apartment like mine? Would love any advice on this!

Featured Answer

sofaspud

5 years ago

Pull chain means no wall switch, so the feeder wire is always hot. So, unless you want to pay an electrician to run wiring to install a wall switch, you have to replace it with another pull chain light. However, there are apparently light fixtures you can buy that are remote controlled, where you just flush mount a switch to the wall. That switch would be battery powered.

Another discussion to have is what kind of wiring you have. Modern wiring is romex, but with the apparent age of you place, it likely isn't romex.

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Comments (6)

DavidR
5 years ago
You have lots of choices for wireless light control, from a simple gadget that goes between the socket and the bulb, to one that installs in the ceiling box, which in your case would have to be installed by an electrician. Your lease probably specifies that you need to clear that with your landlord.

There are even wireless switching systems that you can control from your phone. Some internet searching should show you the options.

As Sofa mentioned, NM or Romex is often used in modern residential work. But it was used as early as the 1920s, so depending on when your place was built or last renovated, NM could very well be in your walls. Also, it's not the only wiring system used today by any means.

The real discussion to have (tangential to this one) is whether your wiring has the capacity to handle your electrical needs safely. If you suspect that it doesn't, you should get after your landlord to do something about it.
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Rejuvenation a have fixtures with turn keys. They are not pull chains but these keys in the side of the fixture function like a pull chain. They have a lot of options. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Rejuvenations ceiling lights
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There's a couple of options. There are pull chain switches you could install into a flush mount light. It would require some modification (drill hole, etc.) of the fixture and wired properly so, it would have to be done by someone who knows what they are doing. There are also flush lights that come with a turn knob switch installed. You can swap that for a pull switch. If you want to do away with the string or chain, why not add a remote unit in the fixture and mount the remote control unit on the wall nearby? The big box stores and local hardware stores stock them You could also install one of those types that Billy Mays used to advertise.
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If you need an integral socket and switch, that's also available though you may need to order online. Here is a link that might be useful: socket interior, bakelite, pull chain switch.
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I just put in a Kichler mini-chandelier in the bathroom near the tub. It is on a chain, and I really wanted it to swag. I think with a swagging light on a chain you don't feel limited to one height for the light or one location for the table. I plan to cover the chains with fabric. In our other house, I have a wrought iron chandelier with 5 arms using little candle bulbs and small shades. The ceiling is so low in the dining room that DH had to remove all the links to hook it directly to the ceiling plate. That house is more traditionally furnished and the wrought iron is perfect for it. I also just had the Olivia star pendant from Pottery Barn installed in my walk in closet. It is a bronzy finished metal with clear bubbled glass in the star points (like a Moravian star). And I had the electrician leave a long tail on the chain so I could swag it from up high to a hook mounted above the chest in the closet. I'm very pleased with its appearance. Actually, I bought it for another spot and discovered it was too small for there, but perfect in the walkin closet. Do not despair over lack of choice with flush mount fixtures. They make things called semi-flush mount. They are sort of a cross between chandeliers and fush mounts. I considered them for the spots that would not take a swag. In my case, if I make a bad choice, I have the option of using them at our second home, before I have to think about returning something. Nowadays, I consider the second option for an item before I buy it.
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Fori
5 years ago
If you can't upgrade your electrical to have switches, and you can't find a better option that pull chains, some custom lighting places will put in a pull chain for a token amount extra. Try Rejuvenation, Schoolhouse Electric, and places like those.
Lyndee Lee
5 years ago
It is usually easy to add a pull chain to an existing fixture. If there is a place on the fixture with a flat spot about half an inch across and the fixture is made from a material which can be drilled easily, it is a quick process.

I like the ease of wireless switches or remote controls
Ron Natalie
5 years ago
If by apartment you mean a rental building with others you shouldn't be changing light fixtures and certainly not making changes to fixtures that void their UL approval.
PRO
R S W / Studio - Custom Lighting Design
5 years ago
Have you considered getting something made specially for the space? If interested I make custom lighting based on the client's specifications.

Feel free to request a quote at: Retro Steam Works / Custom Lighting Design

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