Question 1

Will this work w/ an 18v 2 amp input? i ask bc it says “up to 5a at 3-24v dc input” but calls it “dc12v inline rocker switch”, implying its 12v only

Accepted Answer

Some have implied that since this is a passive device, it will take whatever you choose to put through it.  That's false.  Switches like most electrical components are rated as to the max voltage and current they can carry.  You'd be risking a fire if someone flippantly "pushes 1000 volts through it" and it isn't rated for that.

You'd probably have to buy one and dissect it to identify the actual switch part number that's inside there and look up the rating the manufacturer gave it.  It would be unusual for something at this price point and designed for a 5v 3A load to work at 1kv.  250v at half or quarter amp, maybe but even that may be wishful thinking.

To the original question: We don't know if the 18v load is DC or AC but for ease of calculation we'll assume DC in the absence of better info.  So 5 amps at 3v is 15 watts, nominally.  5 amps at 24v is 120 watts.  Or if it truly is a 12vdc switch at 5a that's 60 watts.  18v at 2A is 36 watts which is somewhere in the middle of the range.  So we're somewhere between 15 watts and 120 watts on that switch most likely and we potentially have 36 watts we want to carry through it.

Without actually knowing the specs for the switch itself the best answer would be somewhere between maybe and probably.

Question 2

The gauge of the wire is 24AWG (printed on the cable), so can this switch really handle 5A at 24V (120W)?  I need to power a 12V 7.5A device (90W).

Accepted Answer

24AWG cable max rated for 3.5A so I would not recommend any requirements over the rated. Not sure why the cable rated label for 5A. To meet safety parameters you will need a 21AWG rated cable for handling 7.5A.

PLUSPOE Male to Female Inline DC Power Extension Cable with On Off Switch, 5.5x2.1mm Barrel for Led Strip Light CCTV Camera and Other Low Voltage Applications, 4Pack

Description

Reviews

Common Questions