AGK Electrics ( chapter 4 > required skills and knowledge )

Toggle switch

Switches that are set between 2-3 positions

Gated toggle switch

Has to be lifted out before it can be moved

Rocker switch

Have a finger pressure point at either end and are hinged in the middle. They can usually be set to two or there positions

Push buttons

Switches that can be toggled to one state or another ( ON OR OFF ). They often have a light indicating which state they are in

Rotary switches

Switches are rotated around between several possible options. The knob is arrowed shape to indicate where the option has been selected

Some rotary switches are “infinitely” e.g dimmer switch for the cockpit

Guarded switches

1. High risk switches, guarded just in case of accidental pushes

2. Christina, functions, normally “once a day basis” engine start button

Fuses and circuit breakers serve the same function which is …

To protect a circuit and its components from damage caused by excessive current

A fuse is

A piece of thin resistive wire which melts if the current becomes excessive, this will open the circuit

A circuit breaker is

A small electromecancial device which automatically opens a circuit when excessive current is detected

A thermally activated circuit breaker uses a

Bi-metallic strip to open the circuit ‘ pop the breaker ‘

A magnetically operated circuit breaker uses

Electromagnet to open or close and circuit

Fuses and circuit breakers are rated by

1. The amount of current they can sustain

2. Above this current the fuse will blow or the circuit breaker will pop out

What has to happen to a blown fuse

Must be replaced

What must happen to a popped circuit

May sometimes be reset by pressing it back in

If you exceed the permissible number of resets of a circuit breaker you may …

Permanently damage the circuit

What happens if you replace a fuse with one of a higher rating

Then the circuit is no longer properly connected. And it’d components be damaged