737NG Overhead switch rubbers
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: In t'sky
737NG Overhead switch rubbers
This has been bugging me for a little while...
On the 737NG overhead, some of the toggle switches have red rubber rings inside the switch mechanism, that you can see. A great example is the L an R RECIRC fan switches on the AIR CON panel, one has a red seat in the switch, and one does not. The Landing Light switches don't have them, yet the strobes do. So does the CVR toggle switch.
Why do some have them, and some don't? I shall provide a picture on wednesday if people don't follow what I mean - appreciate any feedback!
Horgy
On the 737NG overhead, some of the toggle switches have red rubber rings inside the switch mechanism, that you can see. A great example is the L an R RECIRC fan switches on the AIR CON panel, one has a red seat in the switch, and one does not. The Landing Light switches don't have them, yet the strobes do. So does the CVR toggle switch.
Why do some have them, and some don't? I shall provide a picture on wednesday if people don't follow what I mean - appreciate any feedback!
Horgy
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Skating away on the thin ice of a new day.
I'd have to look to make sure Mr H but some s/w's are a sealed unit others operate from a mech toggle to operate individual micro s/w's.
Some s/w's are a single piece but not fully sealed.Just depends on the spec / area of use.
The red ones as described I would say are a sealed toggle s/w the red stuff being the sealant around the toggle lever.
In any case you've given me a reason to get interested and have a sticky beak
Some s/w's are a single piece but not fully sealed.Just depends on the spec / area of use.
The red ones as described I would say are a sealed toggle s/w the red stuff being the sealant around the toggle lever.
In any case you've given me a reason to get interested and have a sticky beak
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Australia
I've also seen them on the 747-400. There appears to be no rhyme or reason why some have them and some don't (even on panels adjacent to each other). I guess it helps prevent fluid (spilled coffee) ingress, but then why would the overhead panels have them? 
Rgds.
NSEU
Rgds.
NSEU
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Skating away on the thin ice of a new day.
My guess is the circuit designers/ engineers look at the circuit and what it carries and controls and fit a switch capable of the loads and other design parameters required.
Most switches are "off the shelf" items so if it happens to be a switch that can be used in harsh envronments but fulfills the design spec's required, even if its in a cosy cockpit upside down , so be it.
Most switches are "off the shelf" items so if it happens to be a switch that can be used in harsh envronments but fulfills the design spec's required, even if its in a cosy cockpit upside down , so be it.
Thread Starter
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From: In t'sky
Hmm, well some of them do exactly the same thing - in my example of the RECIRC fan switches, they are identical and do the same job! It just seems hit and miss.
Amp - you might be onto something, I originally thought the red rubbered ones were ones with relays to work the switch automatically, but that was scuppered when I took a closer look.
Horgy
Amp - you might be onto something, I originally thought the red rubbered ones were ones with relays to work the switch automatically, but that was scuppered when I took a closer look.
Horgy
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: UK
I know that Honeywell supply hermetically sealed toggle switches suitable for aviation, which quote 'Reduced sensitivity to changes in altitude or pressure' .
Can I suggest if silver coated contacts are employed then possibly less likely to produce an oxide coating if hermetically sealed?
(I note they also supply toggle swiches for aviation that cannot be accidentally switched - i.e. pull toggle before actuating switch - neat)
Can I suggest if silver coated contacts are employed then possibly less likely to produce an oxide coating if hermetically sealed?
(I note they also supply toggle swiches for aviation that cannot be accidentally switched - i.e. pull toggle before actuating switch - neat)
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From: France
Originally Posted by clivewatson
load shed items?
A doubtful functional clue like that would be perfectly useless in an emergency.
CJ
Joined: May 2002
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From: Idaho
Horgy
You are seeing the toggle switch seal a example part number would be Micro Switch 1TL1-3. From the 1TL1-3 Spec sheet "Sealed to prevent entrance of liquid or dust"
Some switches control more circuits and they use multiple micro-switches, a good example is Micro Switch part number 64AT34-3 In Part Number 64AT34-3 the individual micro-switches are sealed, so there is no need for the shaft to be sealed.
The landing lights are a special type of toggle switch which are made by Cutler Hammer part number A3-1092 for the two position and 8906K1592 for the three position switch
David
Boeing 737-700 flight simulator construction
You are seeing the toggle switch seal a example part number would be Micro Switch 1TL1-3. From the 1TL1-3 Spec sheet "Sealed to prevent entrance of liquid or dust"
Some switches control more circuits and they use multiple micro-switches, a good example is Micro Switch part number 64AT34-3 In Part Number 64AT34-3 the individual micro-switches are sealed, so there is no need for the shaft to be sealed.
The landing lights are a special type of toggle switch which are made by Cutler Hammer part number A3-1092 for the two position and 8906K1592 for the three position switch
David
Boeing 737-700 flight simulator construction
Last edited by allendc; 10th July 2009 at 15:52.
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From: Poland
ChristiaanJ - it was only a guess. The inclusion of the eroteme should have made that clear. Having thought it through though, you are of course correct - how silly of me.
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From: France
Originally Posted by clivewatson
... how silly of me.
CJ
Thread Starter
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From: In t'sky
I think that must be it, some are environmentally sealed. Which leads me to my main annoyance/query with them - why is the L RECIRC FAN switch sealed, and the other is not?
This is probably something only Mr Boeing might be able to answer, but ask it I shall.
Horgy
This is probably something only Mr Boeing might be able to answer, but ask it I shall.
Horgy
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: UK
Just a guess but the R recirc fan is standard on all series of 737 whereas the L is a kind of "add on" for the longer -4/8/900's. So maybe the spec is not as high because it is not as important. Or maybe the spec was written at a different time and nobody has noticed that they are different.
The only operational difference that I can think of is that the R recirc fan has a link to the overboard exhaust valve. If you switch the R fan off (not L on the -8/900) the cabin RoC will increase as the overboard exhaust valve opens.
The only operational difference that I can think of is that the R recirc fan has a link to the overboard exhaust valve. If you switch the R fan off (not L on the -8/900) the cabin RoC will increase as the overboard exhaust valve opens.
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From: Idaho
The R recirc fan switch is a 3 pole switch and the L recirc fan switch is a single pole switch. The R recirc fan switch also controls "Smoke Control" so it controls more circuits. L recirc fan switch controls 1 circuit
David
Boeing 737-700 flight simulator construction
David
Boeing 737-700 flight simulator construction
