The max load is continuous while the max switching is, well, switching. However, it is misleading, Max 2A switching is actually at 30Vdc. You need to look at the graphs in the spec for real numbers. However, this device is NOT large enough to switch a standard 60W incandescent light bulb. It may take only .3A once hot, but when starting form cold the current will be A LOT more than that. Closer to 4A in fact