It's the disconnect from load rating that matters.
As a contact pulls away from it's mate the current tends to flash. Material tends to transfer via the flash. Arcing -- whatever term tickles your fancy.
Full load pull off. Critical to minimize the load. Starter solenoids break with the aid of a powerful "return spring" to decrease the amount of time needed to pull the contacts apart. Vital when inductive loads are seen.
Snap action switches accelerate pull off speed which minimizes exposure.
Mercury filled switches minimize vulnerable contact distance distance.
A lever switch exhibits an increasing spring action before snapping to the opposite position and I like that. Increasing voltages only amplifies the vulnerable distance needed to isolate conductors. Highest voltage switching involves pneumatically powered action in an oil or mercury environment.
Speed of pull-off is especially critical when dealing with switching of an inductive load.
For instance, a Detroit V16-149 engine which has dual starter motors wired in series. Total battery CCA is make or break :)
But for things like an RV reduction of load amperage before switching is critical with a dial action switch. Less so with a snap action switch. My inherent caution sides with snap action and long life.
