Pull chain switch mod.

[Retrowire]

I'm looking to mod my computer to allow me to turn it off and on with the use of a Pull chain switch, similar to the kind of switch used in most light fixtures.

Question is, what kind of switch is a Pull chain switch exactly? I believe it's a toggle switch, and wouldn't really work with the traditional button type switch of an I/O panel.

I'm interested in this mod because I've seen someone mod their power switch to be turned on by a typical light switch,(like the one on your wall by your door) Thing is, that's a toggle switch as well isn't it? I'm confused.

 

[USAFRet]

well....you could put the chain at the end of a hinged lever. The other end, when you pull the chain, rotates and presses the current pushbutton.

And of course you'd have to hide the mechanism behind a facade.

A PC On/Off is a momentary push button. A lightswitch pull chain is On/Off.

A schematic of a normal pull chain switch would be this:

 

[Retrowire]

Yeah, I pulled out my multimeter to observe the characteristics of how the pull chain switch operates and confirmed the theory. So it wouldn't work, unless I modified the switch itself to make momentary contact only. Trouble is, the switch is so tiny and plastic I couldn't safely open it. Oh well! Thanks for your help, I'll have to find another way....

 

[Unolocogringo]

Your front power switch is always open unless pushed.
A light or pull chain is open or closed depending on position of switch.
The wall switch option is a bios option to turn computer on after power failure. But you must shut down the computer normally and then turn the wall switch off. A power surge bar with a switch is also possible with the bios option.