AC light switch in 12v DC circuit?????

Question

Can you use a regular household light switch in a 12 volt dc circuit? I tested it and it worked, but I am sure there are some reasons that I shouldn't. I am running DC fluorescent lights (rv lights) in a cabin on 12v and want to use a regular light switch instead of a rocker switch. Pros and Cons???? Thanks,

Answer 1

No problem at all.  The only time it would not be appropriated would be if the load were very very small.  As long as it works, it is OK.

Answer 2

Keep careful track of your current.  I personally would de-rate the switch 50%.  In other words the maximum DC  current I would put on a 20 amp  AC switch is 10 amps or 120 Watts at 12VDC.

Interrupting DC currents can be hard on switches.

You shouldn't have a problem running the relay. An electric motor may or may not be a problem, it depends on size.   A motor is an inductive load and causes a spark to form across the contacts in a switch on a DC circuit.  

If you need 12V DC electrical gear, try a marina.  I was amazed what they had at Port Canaveral.

PS - be sure the circuits are fused.