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user9253
Joined: 28 Mar 2008
Posts: 1927
Location: Riley TWP Michigan
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 Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:21 am Post subject: Toggle Switches with Fast-On TabsToggle Switches with Fast-O |
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Vern,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
That was a good idea to measure the voltage across the switch. By measuring from terminal to terminal, do you mean between the switch terminals and not between the fast-on connectors? Is it possible to measure voltage between the rivet and switch terminal? Just curious.
Do you live in a high humidity environment? Whether you do or not, the switches are probably failing because of corrosion. Microswitch makes a military grade sealed switch, the TW Series. It might be expensive but could save you aggravation and failure at critical times. But you have already purchased new switches, maybe next time. Here is another suggestion for next time: buy double-pole switches and connect the two halves in parallel. If one side of the switch fails, the other side will keep you flying. Any heat developed in a double-pole switch will be dissipated over a larger area and thus reduce the temperature rise and slow down the corrosion process.
Checking voltage drop across switches could be added to the list of things to do at the annual condition inspection. Many planes could be flying with switches that get warm. The pilot is unaware until there is smoke or until something quits working.
Joe [quote][b]
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Joe Gores |
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rv-9a-online(at)telus.net
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 12:59 pm Post subject: Toggle Switches with Fast-On TabsToggle Switches with Fast-O |
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Hi Joe.
I measured between switch terminals, but wasn't able to measure the voltage between the terminal and rivet.
My aircraft is about 10 miles from the west coast, but there are no signs of corrosion anywhere. Not only is it hangared, but I keep a heater/blower in the cockpit at all times when not flying.
I've considered the double-pole idea, but the wiring is a bit of a pain, and without understanding the root cause, I'm not sure I'd go to the effort.
Although I had no smoke in the cockpit, my panel was warm. Then, I did the finger test on the switches to see what was up. I think the finger test is just as good as a voltage drop test if access is limited.
I hope that a lot of you are out there now poking at switches to see if they have the same symptoms!
Vern
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fvalarm(at)rapidnet.net
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| Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 3:00 pm Post subject: Toggle Switches with Fast-On TabsToggle Switches with Fast-O |
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Vern,
My RV is no where close to flying yet but I have already purchased Carling toggle switches too. So I will be watching this thread closely and thank you for posting here. I hope that you positively find the root cause and all can benefit.
I'm sure Bob will chime in on this but I'm not sure about the theory of using a double pole switch to "spread" the load. A double pole switch may delay the symptom, but it could still occur eventually and possibly very soon after the first set of contacts fail. I guess it depends on what the actual cause of the failure is. Poor crimps, over current heat damage, corrosion, determination due to contact arcing etc.
To truly have a secondary (backup) switch, I would think that it would need to be a separate switch that is not used until the primary one fails and is turned off. My opinions only. Your mileage may vary. I hope this failure is positively identified.
Bevan
From: owner-aeroelectric-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-aeroelectric-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Vernon Little
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2008 1:55 PM
To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: Toggle Switches with Fast-On TabsToggle Switches with Fast-On TabsToggle Switches with Fast-On Tabs
Hi Joe.
I measured between switch terminals, but wasn't able to measure the voltage between the terminal and rivet.
My aircraft is about 10 miles from the west coast, but there are no signs of corrosion anywhere. Not only is it hangared, but I keep a heater/blower in the cockpit at all times when not flying.
I've considered the double-pole idea, but the wiring is a bit of a pain, and without understanding the root cause, I'm not sure I'd go to the effort.
Although I had no smoke in the cockpit, my panel was warm. Then, I did the finger test on the switches to see what was up. I think the finger test is just as good as a voltage drop test if access is limited.
I hope that a lot of you are out there now poking at switches to see if they have the same symptoms!
Vern
[quote]
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