Pull switch

Pull switches may be either two-position (open or closed) or multi-position (allowing for different fan speeds or levels of illumination).

(In both cases the stable physical open- or closed -situation would be switch in outer and string in upper position.)

One type would switch to closed (alternatively open) already during the initial pull in the string.

The other type would switch to closed (or open) only when releasing after a full pull.

With the first type, the weight of the string and handle could accidentally switch the load intermittently on and off, when still around the initial position (depending on the internal spring).