electrical systems Flashcards
what is meant by trip free circuit breaker
a circuit breaker that cannot be closed while a fault exists, regardless of the position of the operating handle
what is meant by a slow blow fuse
a fuse that will allow more current than its rating to flow for a short period of time, but will open the circuit if more than its rated current continues to flow
what is the function of a fuse or circuit breaker in an aircraft electrical circuit
it protects the wiring from an excess of current. it will open the circuit if enough current flows to heat the wire
what are two principles upon which circuit breakers operate
magnetic circuit breakers open a circuit when the current creates a strong enough magnetic field. thermal circuit breakers open a circuit when the current causes enough heat
what circuit in an aircraft electrical system is not required to have a circuit protective device
the main circuit for starter motors, used during starting only
is an automatic reset circuit breaker approved for aircraft electrical circuit
no, manual operation is needed to restore service after the circuit breaker has tripped
how does the vibrator type voltage regulator maintain a constant voltage
when the voltage rises above the desired value, an electromagnetic relay opens and inserts a resistor in the generator field circuit, decreasing the field current and lowering the generator output voltage
what two components are normally housed with a vibrator voltage regulator in single unit generator control
a current limiter and a reverse current cutout relay
what are two types of inverters found in aircraft
rotary inverters and static inverters
what is the purpose of an inverter
to convert DC electricity to AC electricity
how does a rotary inverter create AC voltage
by using a DC motor to spin an AC generator
what is the purpose of aircraft wire shielding
to eliminate electromagnetic interference by applying a metallic covering to the wiring
what is the purpose of wing inspection lights
to permit visual detection of ice formation on wing leading edges while flying at night
what are the colors and positions of aircraft position lights
left side/ wing tip- red
right side/ wing tip- green
aft- white
what does the specific gravity of the electrolyte of a lead acid aircraft battery indicate
the amount of acid relative to the water in the electrolyte. this is an indication of state of charge battery
