I have a little question. I have a toggle switch and it is rated at 6A at 125vac and 3A at 250vac. Do you think that this would handle a load at 10-15A at 12vdc? I am not sure of this since I am using the switch for DC when it is rated at AC. Is there a difference in the rating from AC to DC or will it handle a high current at a low voltage? The link for the switch I bought(not thinking of amperage ratings before I purchased it) is http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F002%5F015%5F006&product%5Fid=275%2D634 Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Kyle, The formula for power is P[watts]=I[current in AMPS]*E[voltage]. So on that basis 15A*12V=180W, which is well below 6A*125V=750W. One possible gotcha is that if you have a high inductance load, it may arc the contacts and shorten the life of the switch. But if it's not a mission critical applivation, like life support, or does not involve flammables or explosives, I'd use it.

Switch contacts are rated for their current capacity not power. So the base rating is 6 amps at 125 vac. The reduced rating of 3 amps at 250 vac is because there would be greater arcing at a higher voltage. The current rating for 12 vdc would probably be higher. If you exceed the base rating the arcing on making and breaking the connection would reduce the life. If the current is too high the contact resistance would generate heat causing failure. Prognosis: Be prepared to buy a new switch.

Tanks for the help. I will try to use them and if they go out then I guess I will just buy the right ones next time...hahaha