REFLECTOR: Electrical system - basic components

nmflyer1 at aol.com nmflyer1 at aol.com
Sat Jun 29 17:38:29 CDT 2013


Reiff, 

My setup is kind of different due to the V-6, but basic theory should be similar. 
I did all the wiring myself and used the Nuckolls book as well. I have a "Conduit Ground" that runs from the nose to the engine bay down the right duct. The Starter cable runs inside of that conduit. 
I purchased several Single post terminal blocks  http://madelectrical.com/catalog/cn-1.shtml   from http://madelectrical.com/
I subbed my grounds to have one forward of the canard bulkhead, one behind the bulkhead, One on the front side of the firewall. Then I made a pass thru ground for the engine stuff. 

On the back/bottom panel itself, I used terminal blocks for ground consolidation, then ran that to the terminal post on the appropriate terminal block. 
I also used a terminal block for consolidation of Dimmer light wires. 
These are in addition to the breaker/bus system that I made for all my power requirements. 

Lots of good affordable stuff from Mad, Including nice relays, instructions, quality wire and connectors. Take a look and go from there. 

It took me quite a while to draw out all the power flows so that I could have a system that I liked. Currently for me, If I turn off the Elect Master, Everything in the airplane shuts down except: Ignition & fuel pump power (keep the engine running), power to the alternator (pullable breaker), Panel lights & Elect Gyros (Pullable Breakers). That way, If I get smoke, I can get to Min. Power with one switch. 

Due to my setup, I have 2 batteries, each of which can power the bus and isolate the other battery. I can run on either battery, or once running, No batteries, but using the alternator, Or No alternator and either battery I want. Perhaps overkill, but after many tries, it is actually pretty simple, but important for an all elect. airship. 

Have fun :)   and take lots of notes! 

Kurt 


-----Original Message-----
From: Reiff Lorenz <Reiff at lorenz.com>
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Sat, Jun 29, 2013 2:33 pm
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Electrical system - basic components



 
Chris, It's always good to check the basics! Yes I have the Nuckolls book. Read it twice. It is great on theory, but short on "buy this, put it here" recommendations. The Reflector is great for finding out what is actually working for others, or hearing stories of "tried X but it found out Y was better."
 
Larry, I believe the Vertical Power does eliminate the power bus for most things. There are a few, though, that will still need a connection outside of the VP. Between the starter contactor, the RG pump, and my 4 seat heaters (wife's requirement), I have more high-draw components than the VP has high-capacity circuits. (Maybe more than my alternator(s) will supply, but that's a problem for another day!) So some type of power bus (and maybe an essential bus) will be necessary. Plus, the VP doesn't handle grounding.
 
I'm OK on the electrical planning. Currently I'm just not sure which power/ground block to buy/make and where to mount it. What type of buses did you use? Where did you mount them?
 
Reiff
 
 

From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On Behalf Of Chris Barber
Sent: Saturday, June 29, 2013 1:46 PM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: Electrical system - basic components

 

May be too basic to mention but have you read the Aeroelectric Connection by Bob Knuckles available for download at http://www.aeroelectric.com along with all sorts of other information





Chris

Sent from my iPhone 5


On Jun 29, 2013, at 11:01, "Lawrence Epstein" <ljepstein at hotmail.com> wrote:


If you are using the VP unit, I don't believe you need a "bus bar" or similar, as everything will have it's power lead going to the VP. 

 

Take a look at the VP website. They have a whole section on planning your electrical system, complete with sample circuit diagrams.

 

Also, EAA website has a good overview (PDF) which you should read.

 

Larry Epstein


 

On Sat, Jun 29, 2013 at 11:19 AM, Brian Michalk <michalk at awpi.com> wrote:


It's not hard to build your own, or you can buy something like this:

http://www.bandc.biz/groundblock48-tab.aspx 




On 06/29/2013 08:55 AM, Reiff Lorenz wrote:




 
I'm starting work on the electrical system. I could use some recommendations on what to purchase (or how to make) these items and where you installed them:
 
·         Main bus
·         Main ground block
·         Firewall ground block
·         Avionics ground
 
I'm going to use the Vertical Power system for switching & circuit breakers so a combination bus/CB system won't be necessary. Should I just buy some copper bar and drill screw-holes in it? Is there a good, basic bus product that works well? Where did you mount it and how did you protect the power buses from accidental grounding?
 
Thanks!
 
 
Reiff Lorenz, Dayton, OH
Velocity XL-RG, 45% complete
Currently working on: Mounting the battery, main contactor, starter contactor, and RG control system.
 
Velocity Owners and Builders Association
http://www.VelocityOwners.com
 





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