I have a couple small magnetic-base gooseneck work lights mounted on my milling machine. They were designed for 20W 12V MR-16 halogen bulbs, but those get really HOT. After scorching myself a couple times bumping into them, I switched to LED replacements that draw about 1/5th the power of the halogens.
They have C&K garden variety 6A 125V slide switches mounted on the back end. After relatively infrequent use (I only run the mill a couple days a month), the switch on one became intermittent. I installed an identical switch & it's been fine.
Just recently, the switch on the 2nd light has started exhibiting the exact same symptoms. I don't want to keep replacing these things. They are pop-riveted in place (no easy way to get at a nut inside), and swapping them out every few years is annoying. I always thought C&K made decent switches, and of the options on Digikey, they are the most expensive.
Are there other brands I should consider trying, or do people think I just got ones from a bad batch?
The only other thing I can think of is that the LED bulbs may have a funny startup surge that is cooking the contacts. I didn't do a post- mortem on the first one, but the contacts should be loafing at the reduced load they are seeing.
Suggestions welcome.
Thanks!
Doug White