AC-Rated On/Off Switch In DC Application?

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pb24ss
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AC-Rated On/Off Switch In DC Application?

Post by pb24ss » Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:04 pm

This may be a stupid question. I have a 3 amp AC on/off switch I want to use in a DC application. The DC draw is only .125 amps. The AC switch has 3 leads. When I hook DC power up to two of them the switch works just fine. Is there any risk in using this 3amp AC switch in my .125 amp DC application? I know I can get DC switches, but these are the perfect size and shape. Nothing at the FLAPS will suffice, and my uber-electronics store is out of micro DC on/off switches.

TIA,

pb
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tristessa
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Post by tristessa » Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:29 pm

A simple switch like that just makes/breaks the connection in a circuit.

It doesn't care whether it's switching AC or DC (regardless of what's printed/stamped on the switch), as long as the voltage & amperage ratings aren't exceeded.
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pb24ss
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Post by pb24ss » Wed Jan 06, 2010 2:28 pm

Thanks tristessa
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tristessa
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Post by tristessa » Wed Jan 06, 2010 3:25 pm

No problem, I deal with questions like that at work all day.

Heck, I've used household light switches in cars a time or two. They were beaters, and it was temporary until I could get another switch from the wreckers (wasn't worth buying a *new* switch), but it worked just fine.
Remember, only YOU can prevent narcissism!

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