Piper Cherokee Archer II Pilot Operating Handbook page 129

PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORAnON
PA-28-I8I, CHEROKEE ARCHER
II
SECTION 7
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
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Unlike previous generator systems, the ammeter does not indicate battery discharge; rather it displays
in amperes the load placed on the alternator. With all electrical equipment off (except master switch) the
ammeter will be indicating the amount of charging current demanded by the battery. As each item of
electrical equipment is turned on, the current will increase to a total appearing on the ammeter. This·total
includes the battery. The average continuous load for night flight, with radios on, is about 30 amperes.
This 30 ampere value, plus approximately two amperes for a fully charged battery, will appear continuously
under these flight conditions. The amount of current shown on the ammeter will tell immediately if the
alternator system is operating normally, as the amount of current shown should equal the total amperage
drawn by the equipment which is operating.
If
no output is indicated on the ammeter during flight, reduce the electrical load by turning off all
unnecessary electrical equipment. Check both 5 ampere field breaker and 60 ampere output breaker and
reset if open. If neither circuit breaker is open, turn off the "ALT" switch for I second to reset the
overvoltage relay. If ammeter continues to indicate no output, maintain minimum electrical load and
terminate I1ight as soon as practical.
CAUTION
Do not use cigar lighter receptacles as power sources for any devices
other than the cigar lighters supplied with the airplane. Any other
device plugged into these receptacles may be damaged.
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ISSUED: JUNE 18, 1976
REVISED: MARCH 30,1984
REPORT: VB·790
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