Switch help

[PsychoMaster]

Hi
I have a spst switch at 24v carrying up to 8 amps and would like to know what capacitor to use to protect the switch contacts.
   Thanks

[SeanB]

24V at 8A nothing will save the contacts long term. If AC then it will last reasonably well with just a 100n and 4R7 in series across the switch contact, but at DC the arcing will wear it out eventually and no RC circuit will help. If it is a small switch I would recommend getting a Bosch 24V automotive 30A relay ( the real ones, not the cheap fakes) which will survive well with 24VDC.

I have a half dozen sitting around that are used, and aside from having a 24V coil, which I rarely, use they do perform well on DC battery use.

[PsychoMaster]

Thanks for that ,if only my brain was working I should have thought of that as I have quite a few Bosh auto relays already.Great thing to be able to get insight from other folk and save the day.
 Cheers