fbpx

 

I'm looking to add an alt switch to isolate the alternator from battery in a 912 ULS using a Cessna style split master switch and the internal generator. I've seen 2 ways of doing this.

1. Connect R, B+ and C together to the alt 25A breaker and then an alt switch to the bus
2. Connect R, B+ together to a 25A breaker to the bus. Connect the bus to C with the alt switch.

Is there a preferred a way, and what are the tradeoffs between these techniques?
  • Re: Alt Switch

    by » 6 years ago


    The only reason you will ever open the ALT Switch will be because the Alternator has Failed.
    If the R and B can Not be disconnected from the Bus, you risk discharging the battery through the defective Alternator.

    Option #1 is the preferred choice.

    Also, remember that it is R, B, C and Capacitor that all go together BEFORE the fuse.
    When the Alternator is disconnected from the Bus, the Cap must remain connected to the Alternator.

    This is all described in the Installation Manual Section 24-00-00

    Bill Hertzel
    Rotax 912is
    North Ridgeville, OH, USA
    Clicking the "Thank You" is Always Appreciated by Everyone.


  • Re: Alt Switch

    by » 6 years ago


    Thanks, I've read as such in the installation manual, however I had seen other wiring diagrams that did option 2. It wouldn't be the first time that something other than the manufacturer was preferred.

    It also aligned with some of the wiring diagrams for the European builds which are a little more stringent than the US builds.

  • Re: Alt Switch

    by » 6 years ago


    I can imagine that at some point a money guy figured out that a $2, 10 amp switch on just the C lead could disable an otherwise working Alternator cheaper than a $10, 50 amp switch without considering how to isolate an alternator that had failed catastrophically in a short circuit.

    Either option would work just fine for decades in 99% of all installations until the day came when it didn't.

    Bill Hertzel
    Rotax 912is
    North Ridgeville, OH, USA
    Clicking the "Thank You" is Always Appreciated by Everyone.


You do not have permissions to reply to this topic.