12VDC Switches

[droid_ca]

is it possible to get 12volt switches that look like the wall switches in your home?

[bobhenry]

Just use the standard residential switch. I would suggest you might get the higher amperage orange ones. It would also help by being a visual indicator that they are the 12 volt circuits.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I've bought a lot of switches and LED pods from SuperbrightLEDs.com. They're really good to deal with and have fast shipping. Good prices too.

[Rolly]

If you need a 12 volt switch "right now this instant" most truck stops or travel plazas have a selection of switches 24-7.

Rolly

[smatthew]

Check out contura switches. Carling makes them and they're 12/24vdc switches. You can get them with lights, custom icons, and they make wall plates. http://www.carlingtech.com/rocker-switches-sealed. Look at the V-Series.

[bigbendhiker]

I ended up ordering a half a dozen of these, http://www.delcity.net/store/LED-Illuminated,-Round-Hole-Rockers/p_792981.a_1

I may not need all of them, but they are $3.34 each and the shipping was $9, I think, so I thought I might get a few extras just in case. I know I will have reading lights, a porch light, and I'll rewire the overhead lights from the tv to the trailer battery. I may have some over the counter lighting too. I liked the fact that they are illuminated so if I'm in the trailer I'll be reminded if I left the porch light on. Now if my wife is with me that won't be needed. She's always reminding me to turn stuff off.

[NathanL]

Marine dealers normally have a petty good selection of 12v switches as well if you don't want to order them. If you have a decently stocked one or a marine superstore like West Marine will have regular and lighted switches with or without panels to go with them. The larger ones like West will have boxes to fit behind the rocker switches as well. Just another idea on where to pick them up locally.

If you ever get in a bind and need a 12v switch when any switch will do Wal-Mart sells them in the sporting goods department.

[eamarquardt]

As I understand it, the design of a/c and dc switches is different. DC switches are a bit more robust. Depending upon the load you are switching, you may not get the life out of the a/c switch that a dc rated switch will provide.

I'd use the dc switches as they are smaller and will perform will withing their rated capacity.

Cheers,

Gus

[bigbendhiker]

As I understand it, the design of a/c and dc switches is different. DC switches are a bit more robust. Depending upon the load you are switching, you may not get the life out of the a/c switch that a dc rated switch will provide.

I'd use the dc switches as they are smaller and will perform will withing their rated capacity.

Cheers,

Gus

As mentioned a couple of posts above I purchased 6 DC switches from Del City. They are smaller which works well for my needs. I was able to drill 4 holes in a standard wall plate cover and mount all 4 switches in a single shallow box. The box will be mounted in the wall just inside the front side door. These switches will control the front and rear ceiling lights, the porch light, and reading lamps. I will probably use another switch above the counter for an under counter light. I still have one left that I may use in the rear portion of the trailer. Haven't finished planning that part out yet.
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It's a little difficult to see in the cell phone picture, but each switch has a green indicator light that is lit when the switch is on. They also have them available in red or amber.