A quick question about fitting a ceiling pull cord switch (the type
fitted in bathrooms)

There is one in my bathroom, but I want to move it, along the wall a
bit (1m).

When deciding the new location do I need to fix the plastic part to a
joist in the ceilin or just to the plaster. Does it need to be
attached to a joist for strength is what I am wondering. Are the any
kind of (legal requirments in fitting this)

I cant tell by looking at the one that is already there if it is
attached to a joist or not.

To add I live in a 100 yr old house and I guess the ceiliing is not
boards (most likely the lathe and plaster)


Many Thanks

Bhupesh

"Lobster" wrote in message
...
bp wrote:

When deciding the new location do I need to fix the plastic part to a
joist in the ceilin or just to the plaster. Does it need to be
attached to a joist for strength is what I am wondering. Are the any
kind of (legal requirments in fitting this)

Don't know about a legal requirement, but whereas you'd probably get away
with suspending, say, a light fitting direct from a lath-and-plaster
ceiling, you really wouldn't do so if there's a pull-cord involved, due to
the considerable extra load it will be under.

I cant tell by looking at the one that is already there if it is
attached to a joist or not.

To add I live in a 100 yr old house and I guess the ceiliing is not
boards (most likely the lathe and plaster)

Can't you access the space above the ceiling and see? Presumably you'll
need to do so to move the cables?

If you want to position the switch somewhere where there isn't a joist
above, then simply fix a noggin (short, perpendicular length of timber)
between two adjacent joists, and screw the switch to the ceiling from
below so the screws drive into the noggin, which takes the load.


Another alternative for plasterboard ceilings is to use a circular dry
lining box so that you do not have to look at a bulky switch.

Adam

bp submitted this idea :
To add I live in a 100 yr old house and I guess the ceiliing is not
boards (most likely the lathe and plaster)

Their is no legal requirement, however common sense dictates it must be
firmly fixed. Fixing to a joist is one way, if there is a suitably
located one - failing that, you could simply lay a wide flat piece of
wood on top, to spread the load. A section of 12mm ply with a hole
through for the cables would suffice.

--
Regards,
Harry (M1BYT) (L)
http://www.ukradioamateur.co.uk

i thought we're not allowed to do any wiring in bathrooms or kitchens
or john prescott will come round and punch us...

how many sailors does it take to change a lightbulb?

On Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:14:31 GMT someone who may be Harry Bloomfield
wrote this:-

Their is no legal requirement, however common sense dictates it must be
firmly fixed.

Common sense and the Wiring Regulations (the good workmanship
provisions catch it nicely for a start). Following these has been a
legal requirement in Scotland for a long time and this was extended
to the south a few years ago.



--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54