Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer
Feb 19, 2018Explorer III
Low current DC switching should not be an issue with most residential home type switches.
I have done that for years with no issues.
My first TT I retrofitted the trailer with wall mounted Decora switches, making sure that no more than two 20W incandescent lights (3A at 12V)were on each switch.
My current TT, I did the same although now, I have switched all the incandescent bulbs to Lower power LEDs..
DC arcing typically is not a problem at LOW CURRENT, higher current switching can present a problem with the arc not extinguishing due to the contacts not having enough distance.
I suspect as long as the current is below 5A at 12V there should not be an issue..
On edit..
For kicks and grins I looked around my junk pile and pulled out a RV fixture that I replaced when remodeling my TTs..
Yeah, this is a single 20W 12V (1.3A )bulb incandescent fixture and the switch rating is 1A at 125 DC/ 4A 125V AC/ 2A 250V AC!!!
You read that right ONE AMP AT 12V DC to handle a bulb drawing 1.3A at 12V!!!

Yeah, I suspect that if that cheesy switch which has been used in hundreds of thousands of RVs hasn't burned on down then I would think that a residential home switch which is rated 15A at 125V AC should be able to handle a couple of Amps at 12V.
I have done that for years with no issues.
My first TT I retrofitted the trailer with wall mounted Decora switches, making sure that no more than two 20W incandescent lights (3A at 12V)were on each switch.
My current TT, I did the same although now, I have switched all the incandescent bulbs to Lower power LEDs..
DC arcing typically is not a problem at LOW CURRENT, higher current switching can present a problem with the arc not extinguishing due to the contacts not having enough distance.
I suspect as long as the current is below 5A at 12V there should not be an issue..
On edit..
For kicks and grins I looked around my junk pile and pulled out a RV fixture that I replaced when remodeling my TTs..
Yeah, this is a single 20W 12V (1.3A )bulb incandescent fixture and the switch rating is 1A at 125 DC/ 4A 125V AC/ 2A 250V AC!!!
You read that right ONE AMP AT 12V DC to handle a bulb drawing 1.3A at 12V!!!

Yeah, I suspect that if that cheesy switch which has been used in hundreds of thousands of RVs hasn't burned on down then I would think that a residential home switch which is rated 15A at 125V AC should be able to handle a couple of Amps at 12V.
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