DaleB
Well Known Member
Assume we have an electrical system with an alternator, external voltage regulator, field supply via either a fuse or breaker, and an overvoltage crowbar.
In what situation would I use an alternator field switch, if I had one? In other words, if the master switch is on, why would I want the alternator field off? What failure mode, in flight or on the ground, could be helped by turning the alternator field off?
I see an ALT switch in some form on every panel I can remember. Old or new, Piper or Cessna or RV. I understand what it does, but I've never once done anything other than turn it on and off with the master switch, nor have I seen anything similar on anything other than an airplane. Just wondering why.
In what situation would I use an alternator field switch, if I had one? In other words, if the master switch is on, why would I want the alternator field off? What failure mode, in flight or on the ground, could be helped by turning the alternator field off?
I see an ALT switch in some form on every panel I can remember. Old or new, Piper or Cessna or RV. I understand what it does, but I've never once done anything other than turn it on and off with the master switch, nor have I seen anything similar on anything other than an airplane. Just wondering why.