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Why do we have to pull the light switch 3 times with our low voltage halogen lights?

In our bathroom we have the standard pull switch operating fixed halogen downlights. Lately for some strange reason we now have to pull the light switch 3 times to switch them on i.e. on, off then on and it works! Why is this?? Is it a problem with the pull switch unit or is it something to do with the transformers for the Halogen lights? Thanks, but it's not that the transformers need to warm up as we've tried leaving it for a while. Also it isn't a 3-way switch, it's just a simple on and off bathroom pull switch! Thanks anyway

Public Comments

  1. Could it be taking the lights a few seconds to warm up before they come on? Have you tried doing it just once & waiting a few seconds?
  2. The fixture is for a 3-way (low, med, high) light.
  3. The switch is probably worn out on one side. Some pull switches have two sets of contacts (so there are two "on" positions and two "off" positions). If one side is worn out the other will be soon so you should replace the switch. Bert
  4. Contacts inside the pull switch are probably corroded or fouled up---they have 4 positions..two on and two off, so it only turns on now when it's on one of the four---have to replace the switch. Home centers or hardware stores should carry a similiar replacement if you take the old one alone to match it.