AVR-Chat

> What they are talking about there, is the difference between an
> reactive load and a resistive load.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volt-ampere
>
> Reactive loads can cause a lot more wear on a switch during make or
> break  than resistive loads.
>

There are other issues than just reactive load. A switch that passes DC
arcs differently than on that is handling AC. This tends to be more of a
problem at higher voltages (say, above 60V or so).

Also, there is the old "dry circuit" problem. If there is not ENOUGH
current, oxide films on the switch contacts won't be broken down and the
switch will be erratic.

At 12V DC, and several hundred milliamperes, almost any switch should be
OK except the very lightest dry circuit ones and the very heaviest ones.
Slide switches should be fine. Those ratings are MAXIMUM ratings.

Jim Wagner