PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - C172N & R series electrical malfunction
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Old 1st Feb 2013, 13:21
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david viewing
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
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This seems to reflect varying opinions about the chance of fixing an alternator overcharge problem by cycling, something that's been discussed here before. Supposedly in the 'N' it's worth trying (maybe the mechanical voltage regulator would unstick) whereas in the 'R' it's not worth the effort or fire risk.

Contrarily, in the 'R' it's worth cycling to fix a trip out, but apparently not in the 'N'.

This conflicting advice, not for the first time, causes me to wonder if aeronautical engineers are truly comfortable with electrical things.

In reality and in any situation more than a few miles from the circuit, a certain amount of cycling is likely to be resorted to anyway. Many of these electrical problems (in my direct experience) are related to the crude and amateurish design of aircraft electrical systems, the obsession with screw terminals, thermal breakers and the poor protection of wiring in the engine bay. Amongst modern car manufacturers, only Jaguar could rival the carp electrical quality of the average light aircraft.(IHMO).
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