Mooney rocker switch replacement with something else

[shawnd]

I am, unfortunately, going to be forced into a panel upgrade, rather than just installing 3x GI-275s. I am taking the opportunity to consider swapping out my switches from the hard to find Klixon Rocker Switch to something more readily available and cheaper. Talking to Don Maxwell's parts folks, they have or can get the new Mooney style switches. These are the Carling Contura V switches (https://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/V-Series_datasheet.pdf). However, these are a lot bigger than our Mooney ones. Curious what others have done here. I am considering using Cirrus parts like this switch: https://baspartsales.com/53074-001-cirrus-sr22t-rocker-switch-fuel-boost-pump-volts-28-hours-695-5/.

New avionics shop would be okay with FAA/PMA parts I am guessing.

Thoughts?

 

[EricJ]

41 minutes ago, shawnd said:

I am, unfortunately, going to be forced into a panel upgrade, rather than just installing 3x GI-275s. I am taking the opportunity to consider swapping out my switches from the hard to find Klixon Rocker Switch to something more readily available and cheaper. Talking to Don Maxwell's parts folks, they have or can get the new Mooney style switches. These are the Carling Contura V switches (https://www.carlingtech.com/sites/default/files/documents/V-Series_datasheet.pdf). However, these are a lot bigger than our Mooney ones. Curious what others have done here. I am considering using Cirrus parts like this switch: https://baspartsales.com/53074-001-cirrus-sr22t-rocker-switch-fuel-boost-pump-volts-28-hours-695-5/.

New avionics shop would be okay with FAA/PMA parts I am guessing.

Thoughts?

 

There are a number of modern options these days and many have upgraded switches during panel refreshes.    Many of the Mooney switches are breaker switches, where the switch is also the circuit breaker, so be sure to replace those with either another breaker switch or a switch and a new separate circuit breaker.

[shawnd]

2 minutes ago, EricJ said:

There are a number of modern options these days and many have upgraded switches during panel refreshes.

Would love to see the options :-)
 

2 minutes ago, EricJ said:

Many of the Mooney switches are breaker switches, where the switch is also the circuit breaker, so be sure to replace those with either another breaker switch or a switch and a new separate circuit breaker.

Yep, I was planning for it. Since I am getting a new panel and removing the engine instruments on that side, will have room to add more CBs and redo the layout.

Shawn

[alextstone]

50 minutes ago, shawnd said:

I am, unfortunately, going to be forced into a panel upgrade, rather than just installing 3x GI-275s.

 

Why?  How is one forced into such a decision?

 

Alex

[shawnd]

13 minutes ago, alextstone said:

Why?  How is one forced into such a decision?

PM'ed. Folks PM me if others are curious.

[Pinecone]

I am in the middle of a major panel upgrade.  I am going with toggle switches.  Only rocker switches will be the ElectroAire mag switch/push button starter panel.

The only thing to note is, the breaker switches will have the breaker amperage on the tip of the toggle and the others will be rounded.

Also using the time to group and layout the switches.  So lighting switches will be together, with the most used to the end of the row that is most convenient.

For mine, lighting will be to the right, engine and such (boost pump, avionics, master, alternator, etc) will be to the left.

[Jay Bird]

Circuit breaker toggle switches are the direction I went. They were relatively inexpensive.

[shawnd]

Thanks @Pinecone and @Jay Bird.

Here's an interesting find in Honeywell's Aero and Transportation Switch category:

https://sps.honeywell.com/us/en/products/advanced-sensing-technologies/aero-and-transportation-sensing/aero-and-transportation-switches/toggle-and-rocker-switches/rocker-switches

You can even get them engraved at https://www.engravers.net/rocker-sw.html

[shawnd]

Aviall (Boeing) says its FAA Approval Code is "Production Certificate (PC)" - https://shop.boeing.com/aviation-supply/p/AML54F10K=3C

(Just collecting data - not a 100% if its allowed in certified aircraft or not.. but Boeing says its 8130 eligible apparently)

[shawnd]

Another search landed me on https://sps-support.honeywell.com/s/article/AST-Does-Honeywell-offer-a-FAA-PMA-1-pole-off-on-Lighted-Rocker-Switch which cites Honeywell offers FAA/PMA switches:

Datasheet: https://prod-edam.honeywell.com/content/dam/honeywell-edam/sps/siot/ja/products/switches/rocker-switches/tp-series/documents/sps-siot-micro-switch-tp-rocker-product-sheet-005438-1-en-ciid-176934.pdf

Interesting tidbit on why a switch is PMA and why one isn't:

The AML24 series Rocker switch part numbers: AML24GBE2CA03-001 and
p/n: AML24GBE2CA03 are the exact same switches with the same specifications and functionality.

The only difference is that the part number: AML24GBE2CA03-001 has the brand Customer p/n on the housing and it is FAA-PMA approved. 

The regular part number: AML24GBE2CA03 does not have that brand Customer p/n on the housing and it is not FAA-PMA approved, so as long as the switch is not used for aerospace applications it should be fine since the regular AML24GBE2CA03 would not be FAA-PMA approved but of course is UL / CSA certified as all products have to be.

Source: https://sps-support.honeywell.com/s/article/AST-What-is-the-difference-between-the-AML24-Series-switch-part-numbers-AML24GBE2CA03-001-and-AML24GBE2CA03

[John Mininger]

I had my panel replaced a few months ago and I had my old Klixon switch/breakers replaced with Tyco switch/breakers. Tyco Circuit Breaker W31 Series | Aircraft Spruce