12.26.6. Explain the precautions to take during normal operation of the electrical system,including: 

12.26.4(g) . fuses and circuit breakers. 

– these are provided to protect the equipment from any electrical current overload
– if there is electrical overload or short circuit – a fuse wire will melt or blow or a circuit breaker will pop
– prevent circuits from overheating, smoking , catching fire

12.26.4(f) . master switch and battery/alternator switches; 

– master switch controls all of the circuits in the aircraft electrical system
– must be ON for any of the elctrical services to receive power or for the battery to be recharged when the engine is running
–

12.26.4(e) . ammeter; 

– measures the amount of electric current in amperes (amps) flowing at a specific place within the circuit
– is a primary indicator of how well the electrical system is performing

12.26.4(d) . voltage regulator, voltmeter, or over voltage light; 

To control the generated voltage to ensure it doesn’t exceed that required by the aircraft system…
– generated voltage is controlled by the Voltage Regulator
– the Overvoltage Protector guards against the malfunction of the Voltage Regulator
– the Voltmeter indicates the voltage
– the Overvoltage Light also indicates the voltage

12.26.4(c) . bus bar; 

– a main conductor and distributor of electrical power
– electrical power is supplied to the bus bar by the alternator or generator and battery
– then directed to the circuits and electrical components that require power – – may be a metal bar

12.26.4(b) . alternator and generator; 

Alternator
– provides AC electrical power (rectified to DC)
– mechanically driven by the engine
– produces power whenever the engine is running

Generator
– in some aircraft instead of an alternator
– produces DC electrical power

12.26.4(a) . battery; 

– container for storage of electrical energy in chemical form
– automatically converts chemical energy into electrical energy and a current is generated
– Normally Lead/Acid or Nicad

12.26.4. Explain the function of the following components in a typical light aircraft electrical system: 

12.26.2. Describe the types of systems which are typically electrically operated in a light aircraft. 

Most modern light aircraft have a direct current (d.c.) electrical system including
– an electric starter motor,
– one or two radios,
– intercom system,
– transponder,
– electrical flight and engine instruments
– cabin and instrument lighting
– external navigation and collision avoidance lights
– electric powered flaps
– landing and taxi lights
– pitot heater
– range of navigational aids