lights on timerswitch you push in block of flats

[i=p/u]

a dude has just rang me and says the lights are staying on continuosly... i think could just be jammed... anything you'd like to advise me before i go have a look... i have never looked at these before and i said probably just need replaced.. he sqid if thats what it takes

 

[i=p/u]

any alternatives to these older switches??

 

[mhar]

If they are the ones I have used, they work on a vacuum. Push it in, you make contact and you have a vacuum, air is allowed in gradually (there is an adjustment screw to regulate the speed the air is let in) and when it is in or near the fully out position, the contact is broken. Age and dust is their biggest enemy.
Alternative is PIRs

 

[i=p/u]

cheers, id say your right vacume type. i take it you can still get these at wholesalers??? in you expierience.

 

[Short Circuit]

Chances are the switch will be worn out and not just stuck. Yes, you can still get the pneumatic ones, there are a few places on line eg, but is your customer is willing to pay a little extra, get an electronic one as they are more reliable

 

[i=p/u]

any links shortcircuit has i aint a clue.. electornic ones, would these be a straight??? swap

 

[Short Circuit]

Yep, direct swap - no neutral needed for most of them. Loads on the net, Elkay do canny ones in various finishes - have a look at this one Cheap Elkay 350A-2 Elkay Push Button Timelag Timer Switch Chrome Kent Products - screwfix do these too!

 

[i=p/u]

cheers..... would you say they are all compatible... i cant see reason why not.... but maybe you can....they no differnt than intermediate switching if on 3 d 4 floors.?????

 

[pushrod]

cheers..... would you say they are all compatible... i cant see reason why not.... but maybe you can....they no differnt than intermediate switching if on 3 d 4 floors.?????

You are not switching off at any switches, so would suspect it is more like switches in parallel as you are only ever switching on - the switching off is automatic.

 

[Edd]

the switch you mention is called a "columbus switch" and yep they are still used and I still use them, but they are prone to dirt jamming them, Columbus Pneumatic Timer,Time Lag Switch, Time Delay Switch [400A] : Sparks Direct, Lighting and Electrical Wholesaler

 

[MarkieSparkie]

Hi mate, These pneumatic time delay switches are often used in the communial areas of blocks of flats and HMOs. The residents often don't like the lights going off automatically, particularly where the residents are OAPs with mobility issues, so it is quite common to find somebody has linked out the switch or alternatively jammed/glued the button in the ON position.

 

[needasparks]

Hi mate, These pneumatic time delay switches are often used in the communial areas of blocks of flats and HMOs. The residents often don't like the lights going off automatically, particularly where the residents are OAPs with mobility issues, so it is quite common to find somebody has linked out the switch or alternatively jammed/glued the button in the ON position.

Matchstick up the side works a treat !

 

[i=p/u]

wouldnt suprise me now you say.. sounds very viable...

 

[Short Circuit]

i pu, i would check the wiring first to find out what kind of switch it is - ie 2 way or intermediate - havent seen these switches as intermediate, likely you can get them but at a cost!

 

[needasparks]

I think you will find it very unlikely its intermediate if its a timelag which are always wired as one way. think about it.