12v Switches for interior lights/outlets

Posted by Fritz Frerichs on September 25, 2008, 04:53:21 PM

12v Switches for interior lights/outlets
I've researched around and keep finding that normal household switches are not DC rated.  I'm curious what you all are using or recommend.  They would be low amp only running up to a few 15w CFL's in a seasonal cabin I'm building.

thanks
Fritz

Here is a post from Thomas Hardy regarding a 3 way circuit.
http://forums.altenergystore.com/index.php/topic,780.0.html
 
I would caution you that using inexpensive, readily available 3-way switches commonly used in the AC world could be a problem. They typically aren't rated for DC use. To be safe, I would recommend using a commercial grade switch and limit (by limiting the number of lamps and their current rating) the switching to a couple of amps.  The problem is that arcing in switches (happens in all of them), particularly when breaking contact, is typically quenched as the voltage passes through zero (in the AC cycle).  In a DC circuit, this doesn't happen.  Generally this means that the life of the switch will be shortened vs. AC use.  In extreme cases, it could be a fire hazard.  So limit the DC current you are trying to switch to well below the rating of the switch.  Anyway, let me know if I can help you with your wiring circuit problem.
 

Posted by James Cormican on September 26, 2008, 11:28:44 AM

Re: 12v Switches for interior lights/outlets (Reply #1)
yes we have a switch.  i will put the link in.  they are somewhat hard to find.  i think they have to be "t" rated if they are able to do ac and or dc.  usally they click when the switch  is thrown.

http://store.altenergystore.com/Enclosures-Electrical-and-Safety/Miscellaneous-Electrical-Parts/Switches/DC-Switches/DC-Surface-Mount-Switch/p2356/

hope that helps.

james
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Posted by Ken Hall on September 26, 2008, 12:26:42 PM

Re: 12v Switches for interior lights/outlets (Reply #2)
The T rating indicates that the switch is approved for tungsten filament lamp loads. It does not indicate DC approval. There are AC only snap switches that are T rated.


 

Posted by James Cormican on September 26, 2008, 12:33:16 PM

Re: 12v Switches for interior lights/outlets (Reply #3)
thanks,

i learned something today, i will see what other info i can dig out about the switch we have.

james
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Posted by James Cormican on September 26, 2008, 12:49:56 PM

Re: 12v Switches for interior lights/outlets (Reply #4)
here is what it says on the switch itself.

5a-250v-10a-125v-T
CSA, UND LAB INC LIST.

does that help at all?

what other folks have done is use the midnite babybox with dc din rail circuit breakers as switches in simple applications.

james
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