DC switch for wall sconce

[Richmcm]

After years of looking at my non working wall sconces I decided to check them out. The switches are not working. I bye- passed the switch and the lights work fine. I have looked on line for the switch which is judo but they want me to send the switchs along with $24.00 each for replacement. The switch is a push button 14 dvc 4 amp switch. Anyone know is I can use an AC switch in its place or where I can get a replacement switch that is less pricey. If not does anyone know of a vendor that sells rv 12 volt wall sconces. I have checked a few sites out but have not had much luck yet.

[Richmcm]

Thank you everyone for your information. I was able to find a replacement switch at jameco.com. Same switch, same company for $1.75 each plus shipping and handling. Much better than $24.00 for each switch. These lights never did work correctly and when they did they were very hot. Probably the heat affected the switches. I have switched the lights to LED to prevent the heat. Thanks again for the info on using an ac switch for this low voltage application. I will let you know how the replacement install works out.

[YC_1]

Cmon my fellow tech nerds. Simple question, simple answer for the OP. This is not a technical forum.

If the switch fits, give it a try. You are in no danger.

After 40 years or training electronic techs it is still impossible to get two of them to agree on the right way to install a connector.

[Sam_Spade]

KD4UPL wrote:
The DC arc is much more intense than an AC arc.

The ONLY time that is true is if the voltages and currents in actual use are similar. That is, if you are switching 100 VDC at something like 10 Amps....then maybe.

I repeat: The strain or wear or whatever you want to call it on the switch at 12 V, 4 A is MUCH less than at 120 Volts, 4 A just for instance. At 12 volts, there typically is NO detectable arc.

[dicknellen]

I think if it were me bypass the switch and install a small RV ceiling light switch in the wall near the lamp, or maybe in a more convenient location. Dick

[YC_1]

Find a switch that fits and install it. DC/AC is not important in this application. 40 yrs in the 12 volt world. Owning an electronic service business.

You can probably find a switch on Amazon. If you post a picture it would really help but you can find switches at Radio Shack and even Lowes for example.

[jjrbus]

$24 each and you have to send the old switch!

For that much you could likely replace the whole fixture on Ebay.

Picture would help. Jim

[PRodacy]

Radio Shack of any larger electronics store will have lots of suitable switches to choose from.

[KD4UPL]

Sam Spade wrote:

DrewE wrote:


That said, for an application such as this, there's absolutely no harm in trying a decent quality AC switch.

Absolutely correct.....since switching 14 V DC at 4 amps is nowhere near as "demanding" as switching 120 VAC at 15 amps, which is what most AC switches are rated for. 😉

Drew explained pretty well why DC was more "demanding". 14v at 4A is indeed harder on a switch than 15A 120v AC. I did it once. I used a 15A AC wall switch to control 2 dome lights in a vehicle. It wore out in less than 2 years. The DC arc is much more intense than an AC arc. Most big electrical gear that is DC rated is typically 600v AC but only 250v DC.

[Sam_Spade]

DrewE wrote:


That said, for an application such as this, there's absolutely no harm in trying a decent quality AC switch.

Absolutely correct.....since switching 14 V DC at 4 amps is nowhere near as "demanding" as switching 120 VAC at 15 amps, which is what most AC switches are rated for. 😉

[RoyB]

any chance these lights are LEDs and the switch includes a fader circuit? Regular Incandescent lights use a different concept than LED lights do if a fader switch is involved...

A photo of the wall switch would be great...

[DrewE]

Most AC switches aren't rated for DC usage, and DC switching is indeed rather more demanding than AC switching (as the current waveform doesn't periodically pass through zero, which helps kill any slight arcing as the switch contacts are opening).

That said, for an application such as this, there's absolutely no harm in trying a decent quality AC switch. Most likely it will work fine, at least for a good while. If it fails, you can replace it again. I would not recommend an AC switch for a safety-critical application. (The failure mode here would typically be the switch is stuck on or possibly off. There shouldn't be any problem with it overheating provided it's rated for the expected current.)

You may be able to find a more or less exact replacement switch from Digi-Key or Mouser or other similar companies.

[glennestes]

I replaced the push button switch in one with a rotating switch I got at the local hardware store

[rvten]

I replaced our bed room wall lamps with lamps I bought from CW.
You should be able to replace the switches. Take one out. Check your local home supply store or electrical supply store.

[downtheroad]

Amazon has a bunch if you poke around.
Here is the first one I found ( different shades available).
But, if the switches or wiring is faulty, new lamps won't help.

....LINK