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Get the GRIN

  The RV construction manual provides no instruction as to the wiring of your aircraft.  They do offer an optional wiring kit, but I do not know the extent of whether it offers all the switches, circuit breakers, connectors, etc.  Anyway, most people want to customize their instrument panel and electrical system to fit their needs, so a wide variation is possible.  I'll try to give you a brief description of my system.

An aircraft electrical system consists of three basic components:  a Battery, an Alternator and a Bus system to distribute the power.  The Battery is connected to the Bus, thru the Master Solenoid.  This is an electro magnetic relay switch.  There is always 12v coming in to the Master Solenoid, as it is connected directly to the Battery.  It is energized when its circuit is completed by a switch in the ground wire.  The Master Solenoid is connected to the Bus.  The electricity is then distributed to the lights, radios, etc.

The Alternator is also connected to the Bus.  When the Alternator is energized, its output is greater than 12v (usually 14v to 16v).  Its current runs to the Bus and the output circuits and what's left over flows back, through the Master Solenoid to the Battery as a charge.  The Ammeter is connected in the wire between the Bus and the Battery.  When the current is flowing from the Battery to the Bus (Alternator not operating, such as when starting the engine), the Ammeter shows 'discharge'.  When the current is flowing to the Battery (Alternator operating), the Ammeter shows a 'charge'.

The Alternator must be energized in order to put out current.  Don't ask my why, it just won't work unless it's got 12v going in first.  When you turn on the Master Switch, it grounds the Master Solenoid, right?  That connects the Battery to the Bus.  The Ammeter shows 'discharge'.  You then turn on the Alternator Switch and 12v runs to the Alternator, thus energizing it.  Then when you start the engine, the Alternator will generate 14v-16v back to the Bus.  The extra juice flows back to the Battery and the Ammeter shows 'charge'.  Simple, right?

The size or output of your Alternator is based upon how many electrical devices you're going to connect to the Bus.  I have a simple system and only need a 35 amp Alternator.