Master switch using Vertical Power

[nharris]

So, I'm in the process of planning out my system. I'll be using Vertical Powers VP-X sport. One thing I like about it is the ability to use any switch, as the switch doesn't need to carry the load. I decided to go with these small lightweight rocker switches: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/...NE/446066?s=N4IgTCBcDaIMIAkAcAGFBaAcgERAXQF8g

But one thing I didn't think of is, I believe the Master battery switch still needs to carry that load as it doesn't go through the VP-X. Can anyone confirm that? and if so, what Load rating is required for the Master Switch?

 

[dmattmul]

You'll probably want to use a continuous duty contactor so the lightweight rocker switches you are using will work or a keyed ignition switch also will work. Keeps the larger wires FWF.

 

[stigaro]

So, I'm in the process of planning out my system. I'll be using Vertical Powers VP-X sport. One thing I like about it is the ability to use any switch, as the switch doesn't need to carry the load. I decided to go with these small lightweight rocker switches: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/...NE/446066?s=N4IgTCBcDaIMIAkAcAGFBaAcgERAXQF8g

But one thing I didn't think of is, I believe the Master battery switch still needs to carry that load as it doesn't go through the VP-X. Can anyone confirm that? and if so, what Load rating is required for the Master Switch?

I'm just starting my panel as well using the VPX, but I think the master is usually connected to the contactor relay. When you ground the contactor, the +12V gets passed through the contactor. The current through the master switch should only be what the contactor requires to remain closed (usually around 1A, I believe).

Here's a good article on this: https://www.kitplanes.com/aircraft-wiring-4/

 

[pazmanyflyer]

So, I'm in the process of planning out my system. I'll be using Vertical Powers VP-X sport. One thing I like about it is the ability to use any switch, as the switch doesn't need to carry the load. I decided to go with these small lightweight rocker switches: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/...NE/446066?s=N4IgTCBcDaIMIAkAcAGFBaAcgERAXQF8g

But one thing I didn't think of is, I believe the Master battery switch still needs to carry that load as it doesn't go through the VP-X. Can anyone confirm that? and if so, what Load rating is required for the Master Switch?

No load through the switch and you use a 20 AWG wire from switch to contactor. "The master contactor (aka master relay, master solenoid) is controlled by applying ground to the small post on the contactor." See page 27, section 5.5 Master Contactor Wiring of the VP install manual. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...EQFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0JBBVLgc3ny62ALyTMbH6N

 

[rocketman1988]

No load through the switch and you use a 20 AWG wire from switch to contactor. "The master contactor (aka master relay, master solenoid) is controlled by applying ground to the small post on the contactor." See page 27, section 5.5 Master Contactor Wiring of the VP install manual. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...EQFnoECBUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0JBBVLgc3ny62ALyTMbH6N

Actually there is a load through the switch; it is the current required to energize the coil, typically less than 1 amp on most master contactors.

 

[nharris]

Actually there is a load through the switch; it is the current required to energize the coil, typically less than 1 amp on most master contactors.

Thanks guys, I did confirm this with the VP-X guys. It's less than 1 amp through the switch. Wired with a 20AWG wire

 

[wirejock]

Another couple data points.
I'm using the Advanced Control Module. It's similar.
-As mentioned the master switches ground. Minimal but ground carries the same load as the power side.
-I supplied dedicated power to the P-mags. Each on a separate circuit. The ACM doesn't have circuits for the P-mags but the VPX does. Consider how you want them powered, if equipped.
-I chose SPST Honeywell toggles. Mainly because they last forever, but also because if one fails away from home, any SPST toggle will get me home. They fit the same hole.

 

[WenEng]

The VPX manual is very specific with its instruction. This is not comparable to a ''traditional'' switch wiring standard.
"4.2 How Switches Are Wired
Switches are wired a bit differently on the VP-X than they are using traditional wiring. The main difference is that the switch does not carry the current of
the device or devices that are being switched."

The switches ground a signal pin in VPX that tells VPX to power the requested circuit.
In that way, with any switch failure you can actually use your EFIS to access VPX and use the screen to turn on/off any power switch.

 

[rocketman1988]

The VPX manual is very specific with its instruction. This is not comparable to a ''traditional'' switch wiring standard.
"4.2 How Switches Are Wired
Switches are wired a bit differently on the VP-X than they are using traditional wiring. The main difference is that the switch does not carry the current of
the device or devices that are being switched."

The switches ground a signal pin in VPX that tells VPX to power the requested circuit.
In that way, with any switch failure you can actually use your EFIS to access VPX and use the screen to turn on/off any power switch.

While true, you still need a switched master contactor. That contactor has internally wired power to one side of its coil. The ground side of the coil is then switched and the switch carries the continuous load of the coil used to close the contactor, typically less than 1 amp.