Dimmer switches
Can you replace a dimmer switch with a standard on/off switch? We never use the dimmer and LED's that are dimmable cost more than non-dimmable bulbs. Thanks
Forum Discussion
wa8yxm wrote:
Well any switch rated for 120 volts will handle 12 volts just fine.
(the reverse is not recommended or necessary true_)
While this is generally true in terms of voltage, it's not true that switch ratings are comparable for AC current and DC current. DC switching is more demanding, and switches (if they are rated for both) nearly always have lower ratings for DC operation than for AC operation. In practice, it's usually not a problem to use a standard AC rated switch on a DC circuit for non-critical applications. It's possible the switch might not have as long a life, but it usually works reasonably well.
The typical failure mode would be for the contacts to get welded together internally and the switch fail to turn off. For a light switch, that's not a particular safety concern, just a minor inconvenience; but for any applications where it's important that the switch always work reliably, it would behoove one to use a switch actually rated for the voltage and current and AC vs DC power used. (I'm thinking especially of things like power tools, etc. where it may be necessary to shut off things reliably in an emergency to avoid damage to property or harm to people.)
