Hatz Biplane Association

Good Day Hatz Builders,

As I could find no reference in the forum to electrical panel work, I thought I'd start the discussion.

In planning my panel, I came up with the following list which generated questions like "what rating do switches and breakers need to be?" and "Which ones need to be pull breakers and which should not?"

Your experience and advice in this area much appreciated.


Master Switch
Alternator Switch
Alternator Breaker
Nav lights Switch
Beacon Switch
Taxi Light Switch
Landing Light Switch
Front Cockpit light Switch
Rear cockpit light Switch
Com switch
Xponder switch
Hobbs
A number of breakers – to be determined. Presumably a breaker for each above mentioned electrical circuit, some pull breakers, some not. Thoughts?

Nick

Nick,

Myself, I've always used toggle type breakers for all but the master. I use the double rocker switch for the master and run battery bus on one and ( I think) alternator on the other. I didn't put electric on my Hatz and it's been a long time since I built my RV4, so it's a stretch remembering the electrical set up. If you can get your hands on Tony Bingelis' books on aircraft building they are worth their weight in gold for good old, never will be out dated, information on everything from wood to electrical. His book that has electrical info lists amp ratings and wiring diagrams for different components in a typical electrical system. My copies are worn thread bare from use over many years.


Good luck

Nick,
A good resource about electrical systems for your airplane can be found here.
specifically, I recommend this publication.
Amit.