Is it acceptable to use a standard wall switch for a low amperage DC application?

Q-Dog said:

24 volt DC switches.

Leviton 3 Amp Decora Plus Commercial Grade Low Voltage Single Pole Single Throw Center Off Rocker Switch, White 56080-2W - The Home Depot

The Leviton 56142I in ivory is the best selling light switch because of its combination of elegant design, high reliability and affordable price. This model adds a nightlight behind the switch to help

www.homedepot.com

Leviton 3 Amp Industrial Grade Heavy Duty Single-Pole Toggle Switch, White 12021-2W - The Home Depot

Leviton offers a broad selection of industrial, commercial and residential toggle switches. Switch varieties include single-pole, double-pole, three-way, four-way, lighted handle, pilot light, tamper-resistant,

www.homedepot.com

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The switches came in. They look and feel like any other wall mount toggle switch with a strong snap but not a really sharp click. I tested one with a small load, and operating the switch as slowly as possible, and I could maybe hear a tiny arc inside but couldn't get it to hold the arc. I should test with a bigger load.

When I was young and dumb I had a brushed ebike motor. On a couple different examples of my stupidity, I reverse connected the battery and blew the controller for the motor. I learned that I could use a light switch to turn on the motor so that's what I did.
15- 20 amps at 36 volts. It was turned on and off multiple times a minute because it was either of off or full throttle.

Nothing bad happened because of the switch..
Keep in mind I didnt use the switch more than 3 weeks while my new Chinese brushed motor controller shipped.

ScrotusGobbleBottom said:

When I was young and dumb I had a brushed ebike motor. On a couple different examples of my stupidity, I reverse connected the battery and blew the controller for the motor. I learned that I could use a light switch to turn on the motor so that's what I did.
15- 20 amps at 36 volts. It was turned on and off multiple times a minute because it was either of off or full throttle.

Nothing bad happened because of the switch..

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Was it a Levitron or a Chinese imitation like ELEGRP for half the price? I use the cheap ELEGRP for my DC switching. Levitron also has "commercial grade" ($$) and "industrial grade" ($$$).

CaliSunHarvester said:

Was it a Levitron or a Chinese imitation like ELEGRP for half the price? I use the cheap ELEGRP for my DC switching. Levitron also has "commercial grade" ($$) and "industrial grade" ($$$).

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Im sorry I have no idea. It was probably from the local hardware store. I have no memory of where it came from or what it was.

ScrotusGobbleBottom said:

Im sorry I have no idea. It was probably from the local hardware store. I have no memory of where it came from or what it was.

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Probably the standard Levitron. Those Chinese cheapos have not been around for long. Home depot carries them for less than 2 years.

CaliSunHarvester said:

Probably the standard Levitron. Those Chinese cheapos have not been around for long. Home depot carries them for less than 2 years.

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I was young and dumb a lot longer than 2 years ago

ScrotusGobbleBottom said:

I was young and dumb a lot longer than 2 years ago

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At 56, i have been and always be young and dumb...