Hi guys I remember those old round switches where my dad worked in the 1980s the place was built in the 50 s so it all makes sense. What I do remember is that when a flourescents lamp was installed to replace a pair of filament lamps in a workshop when switçhing off the switch would break down live to earth with a BANG and blown fuse!
Now that's not what I'd expect from a switch obviously designed with DC in mind!