Went around on this on some microswitches a while back. Basically it
appeared that low voltage DC (less than 28 volts) had higher ratings than
AC. I think that is the general rule. It is pretty well safe if it is a
snap action switch. At higher DC voltage it is a nono. Too much arc. Take
one load it up twice max current and run it a couple of hundred times. Then
bust it open and look at the contacts. You will know if it is OK.

Jim



"Steve" wrote in message
news
I am building a new 12V DC switch panel for my boat and have a load of
switches rated at 10A@125V or 8A@240V. Although they have 12V
illumination there is not a DC rating in the datasheet. Does anyone have
any idea what sort of rating can I assume for low DC voltage or are they
totally unsuitable?

The switches are Cherry RRA22H3BBRHN rocker switches.

Thanks in advance,

Steve