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Why are there light switches with ropes in bathrooms in the UK?

 

I don't know if everyone has noticed the light switches in UK bathrooms. Many houses have switches that are operated with ropes, unlike the push-button switches on walls. Interestingly, this is one of the distinct features in the UK, similar to the hot and cold water taps. However, not all bathrooms have light switches with ropes; it is only found in some older houses, traditional houses, or certain types of houses, among others.

Why are light switches in bathrooms in the UK operated with ropes?

 

Simply put, it is for the purpose of ensuring safety and preemptively mitigating potential risks.

 

When you take a shower for the first time in a UK bathroom, you will notice that in many student dormitories and houses, the light switches in the bathrooms are operated with ropes. This is somewhat reminiscent of China several decades ago, where light switches were commonly operated with ropes in various rooms, including living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.

 

Being in the UK, it may seem puzzling to see a rope hanging from the ceiling as the light switch in the bathroom. According to an interview with John O'Neill, a Technical Engineering Manager at NICEIC (an electrical contracting industry regulatory body) by the BBC, he stated, "In the UK, we follow the requirements of British electrical installations standards. These standards consider the bathroom as a place where the risks are increased because your body may be immersed in water, and when your body is immersed in water or partially immersed, your body's resistance to electricity significantly decreases.

 

We believe that it is more likely that contact with live parts can have more shocking effects, and in certain cases, electric shocks can be lethal. It's not just about having wet hands like in the kitchen where there are sockets and switches; it's about the immersion, which increases the risk. So, we believe that you shouldn't reach out to touch anything while taking a shower. That's why we use pull cords as switches, as they can be operated without physically touching them. Although other countries may allow power outlets and switches in bathrooms, it is not related to voltage differences but rather to people's perception of risk and the current regulatory provisions in the United States."