Light Switch Assist Cord Extender for Children or Small People

thingiverse

I designed this to allow small children / people to be able to operate a conventional light switch that is otherwise out of reach. It attaches to the existing light switch cover (singles or doubles) using the existing screws, you only need to provide the pull cord (I used surveying cord, which is a more heavy duty type of string) I strongly suggest also printing the included cord break away parts (remixed from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2175347) as a safety measure. The break away part also forces the user to be gentle with it, if they are too rough, the cord pulls free. This is designed to be printed in two parts, the plunger that moves the switch up and down, and the plate that attaches to the light switch. It's designed to be printed without the need for supports. It is a TIGHT FIT to get the plunger into the plate. Depending on how well tuned in your printer is, you may need to file it a bit or apply some heat. And you will most certainly need to bend / flex the plunger and the plate a LOT to get it to snap together, but it can be done! The plunger part that moves is designed with a bit of a gap to allow one end of it to bend/flex down and away from the part that goes around the switch for assembly (I suggest orienting it so that part is facing upward) You can only flex it a few times before the plastic breaks, but once you get it together, it holds fine. If you have a bit of dry lube or silicon lube, it helps the plunger move even easier... again, depending on how well tuned your printer is, you will probably need to do some finishing work, there are some tight tolerances and thin layers here to make it totally fit on a single light switch. The "on" cord will go over / through the top part so it changes direction and pulls up on the plunger. The "off" cord pulls the plunger straight down. I've successfully printed 5 sets of these for a family member, with only one plunger totally breaking when attempting to assemble. (Printed with PLA+) I've found it to work remarkably well. Parts included: Light switch plate, light switch plunger, break away halves (male and female) and pull cord knob end piece.