Re: Quality of Swtiches used for Engine Power
by Eric Page » one month ago
In Maximo's first post above, one photo shows the switch's contact rating, which is stamped into the edge of the metal frame: 10A 125VAC. Assuming that the current rating at 125VAC is also applicable at 12-15VDC is sometimes a safe bet, but not always. It depends on the switch's mechanical design (mostly on its contact spreading velocity and separation distance) and contact materials.
It's not necessary to buy expensive MIL-SPEC switches. You just have to pay attention to ratings to be sure that you're getting a switch that can reliably break a DC circuit at the necessary current. Electrical components for aircraft should be sourced from well established component suppliers with traceability in their supply chains so that you get genuine parts. If you do that, you can comfortably use whatever style of switch suits your desires.
Except in an emergency to get yourself home, don't buy electrical components for your plane off the peg at an auto parts or hardware store. Their stock is often sourced from Chinese contract manufacturers who build products down to a price. Their supply chains are easily penetrated by counterfeiters who substitute inferior parts (e.g. chromed steel contacts instead of tin or nickel plated brass).
The switch shown in Maximo's photos doesn't appear to have any manufacturer name or logo on it; I'm guessing it came from the electronic component bazaars in Shenzhen.
https://www.evilmadscientist.com/2009/a-visit-to-the-electronics-markets-of-shenzhen/
Here's an example of a very similar switch that I found with a quick search. Don't forget the old maxim: you get what you pay for!
Re: Quality of Swtiches used for Engine Power
by Jeff B » one month ago
Sean,
Your switch terminal failure looks more like a (loose) spade connector failure to me. Just sayin...
Maximo & RW:
Thats a reasonable hypothesis. Having the two ECU's go through the switching transient period and arriving at steady state voltage together seems better than individually.
Eric:
Good advice, but in theory the Mil-Spec certification assures those same product qualities you are advocating. The cost difference for Mil-Spec may be good money spent for some folks.
Re: Quality of Swtiches used for Engine Power
by Sean Griffin » one month ago
Hi Jeff,
"Your switch terminal failure looks more like a (loose) spade connector failure to me."
The heat from inside the switch mechanism fried that terminal.
Re: Quality of Swtiches used for Engine Power
by Eric Page » one month ago
Jeff B wrote: "Good advice, but in theory the Mil-Spec certification assures those same product qualities you are advocating."
Not at all. A MIL-SPEC certification just means that the switch meets some military specification but it doesn't guarantee suitability to any particular light aircraft use case. For example, there are many MIL-SPEC switches with lightly sprung, gold-plated contacts that are designed and specified for signal-level switching. All of them would be unsuitable as Rotax Lane switches. That's why I advocate looking at the ratings on switch datasheets to assure yourself that the switch you're buying is suitable for your specific installation. If you do that, you can regard MIL-SPEC stamps as nothing more than expensive ink.
I'd be surprised if 1 aircraft builder/owner in 1,000 knows where to find MIL-SPEC data, let alone reads it when they buy a switch. For most people, "MIL-SPEC" means something like, "If it's good enough for the military, it must be the best." In truth, many MIL-SPEC items only barely meet their applicable specification and do it as cheaply as possible. Remember, manufacturers make MIL-SPEC items for sale to the U.S. government!
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