Can a pull chain light switch be converted to wall switch?

Answer 1

The pull chain on the porcelain light fixture can be converted to a wall switch very easily. You will need to install a new two wire #14 cable from the box the fixture is mounted to now to the new wall switch box. Remove the power to the circuit by shutting that circuit's breaker off. The wire that is connected to the switch in the light fixture is the incoming "hot" wire. Disconnect it and re connect it to the black wire that goes down to the switch. Disconnect the white wire from the old porcelain fixture. For the installation of the porcelain fixture connect the white wire to the silver screw on the new fixture. Now connect the white wire that returns from the switch to the brass coloured screw on the new fixture. Mark this white wire with a small piece of black electrical tape to re identify it as not a neutral (code rule) but a potential "hot" wire. At the switch end make sure that the black wire is connected to the top screw and the re identified white wire (with a black tape marker) is connected to the bottom screw of the switch. Connect the ground wire in the cable to the new switch box and the existing fixture box. Install the switch making sure that the switch is in the off position and that the handle in facing downwards. Install switch plate cover, turn the breaker back on and you are finished. <><><> This project is relatively easy to do if there is already an existing wall box close to the pull-chain switch BUT ONLY if it already has the right wiring in it.

If there is no such wall box then a new one will have to be installed and wired. If you already know how to do that safely you would not be asking this question here!

For some relevant information, please see the related question below about replacing a wall switch by a pull switch. <><><>

As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

Answer 2

You could turn on the light at pull chain and then install a remote switch in series with the black wire supplying the light. However, if the light is turned off via the pull chain, the remote switch can't turn it back on.

Answer 3

Yes, just mount the pull chain light and then leave the wall switch to the on position. You can now turn the light on off with the pull chain.