In article , Bob Engelhardt wrote:
I'm in the process of modifying an electric clothes dryer. I want to
switch 21A, 240v current, but I don't have, and can't find, a switch
with that capacity.

But, as I understand it, switches are rated for the current that they
can *break*.

They are rated for the current they can carry.

My application will never require the switch to break the
current - that will be done by the dryer's timer.

Also, in a closed-contact situation, I'm thinking that paralleling 2
sets of contacts will double (more or less) the current capacity.

Assuming you're talking about North American standard wiring, that is NOT
correct. The two 120V legs that comprise a 240V circuit are not in parallel;
they are in *series*, and the current is the same at all points in the
circuit.

So, if I use a 2 pole 15A rated switch, parallel its poles, & never
break the current with it, could it carry 21A?

No.