Strange 1 way light

[Simonslimline]

My friend has a standard 1 way light in the bathroom operated by a pull cord switch, to get the light to switch on you have to pull the cord 3 times! it always baffled me as to why it was like this. can any enlighten me on this possibly?

Thanks

 

[matt1386]

Could be just a knackered switch mate ?

 

[telectrix]

could it be a 3 stage dimmer switch with a non-dimmable lamp?

 

[Simonslimline]

The light is a CFL 28watt, with control gear in the fitting.

Good thinking on the dimmable switch