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  #1  
Old 12-04-2007, 10:21 AM
pvalovich pvalovich is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ridgecrest, CA
Posts: 429
Default Switch Lables

I am doing the panel for my RV-8A and am a bit confused on requirements for lableing switches. I will have 12 off-on switches at various cockpit locations. I had planned to only label the "On" position, with the switch purpose label aft of the switch. For example:
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  #2  
Old 12-04-2007, 10:24 AM
pvalovich pvalovich is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ridgecrest, CA
Posts: 429
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Don't know why the previous was sent before finishing, but here's an example:
On
(Switch)
Nav Lights

Is thee above Ok - or do I also have to have an "Off" label?
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  #3  
Old 12-04-2007, 10:33 AM
WilburD2 WilburD2 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Houston, Tx
Posts: 163
Default Labels.

Unless my memory has fully failed, you don't need to label the on/off positions of any switches unless they do not follow the standard "on is up/ down is off" positioning. DAR's and IA's feel free to correct me...
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A+P, RV Dreamer + Schemer
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  #4  
Old 12-04-2007, 10:44 AM
BuckWynd's Avatar
BuckWynd BuckWynd is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Rockford, IL
Posts: 501
Default

The switch labels should be applied in such a way that the function of the switch is clear to the operator (the pilot), and the label is readable from a normal sitting position. Those are the main criteria an inspector/DAR/tech counselor will look for. This can be accomplished in several ways.

There are many variations of what type of labeling would be acceptable. You said the function label would be "aft," so I'm assuming you're talking about the right-side switch console on the RV-8. Some people orient their switches so that the "outboard" position is ON. The function label could then be inboard of the switch.

If you orient the switches vertically, as in your example, your labeling plan would probably work fine. Depending on lighting, the length of the switch handles, etc., you might be able to do this, too:

Pitot Heat
(Switch)
OFF

The important thing is to make it absolutely clear what the switch does, and remove all doubt about what will happen when you throw it in each direction. For this reason, I like to see function labels correspond to the ON position of a switch -- I think it's more intuitive to move the switch toward the function it activates, rather than away from it. Other people will undoubtedly have other opinions.
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RV-8 N18XL

Last edited by BuckWynd : 12-05-2007 at 01:38 AM. Reason: Explanation clarification
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  #5  
Old 12-04-2007, 07:16 PM
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Greg Arehart Greg Arehart is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Delta, CO/Atlin, BC
Posts: 2,389
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FWIW, in some other parts of the world, down is on and up is off, at least for house wiring. Hey, the commonwealth drive on the left side of the road too.

greg
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