Can I wire a wall switch to a DC circuit, like this one?

Thread Starter

s355

Joined Apr 13, 2021
32
Can a wall switch be wired to a DC circuit like these two circuits??
EDIT: The VCC of the fan and the red wire of the adapter will be connected to the switch, and the switch won't be mounted on the wall.
 

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AnalogKid

Joined Aug 1, 2013
10,986
Yes, a standard toggle switch can be used in a DC fan circuit. Of course, none of its terminals can be connected to any AC power wiring at the same time.

ak
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
28,617
Yes, As long as the current demand is within the range of the switch, normally these are rated for AC but if no large currents are involved, it should be OK.
 

crutschow

Joined Mar 14, 2008
34,281
On 12Vdc there's probably not too much problem with arcing, especially since that fan only takes 0.21A.

Old AC wall switches used to have a snap-action operation so would work well on DC, but modern switches seem to have a slow operation (which allows any arc to quench when the AC goes through 0V) so cannot tolerate as high a DC current without excessive arcing.
 

crutschow

Joined Mar 14, 2008
34,281
I mean the light as the orange light in the switch while it's off.
That orange light is likely a neon bulb which requires a minimum of about 70V to light, so it won't light with your 12V supply.
You could add an LED if you want an indication.
 

MaxHeadRoom

Joined Jul 18, 2013
28,617
The dimmer style that includes a rotary switch is usually on the back of a POT, you would need to check the connections and just use the switch itself as the dimmer will be of no use on the LV DC circuit.
Just replace the dimmer with a regular toggle version.
 
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