I've been wondering whether it's safe to use standard household AC-rated light switches (like those in the UK) for a DIY project involving 12V DC LED strips. I've come across some AI warnings about potential dangers, but many forums seem to suggest it's okay. Can anyone clarify this for me?
1 Answer
Using household light switches that are rated for AC in a 12V DC setup isn't the worst idea, but it's not without risks. The main issue is that these switches are designed for AC, which means they can handle arcing well due to the current switching 50 times a second. While you likely won't have major issues with low-current LED strips, pushing higher current loads could lead to them burning out over time. Just keep that in mind when wiring it up!
Thanks for the insight! If I end up using multiple switches, should I be worried about increased arcing?