Piper ARCHER II Pilot Operating Handbook page 148

SECTION 7 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION PA-28-181, ARCHER Ii
CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL
Figure 7-13
NOTE
On airplanes with interlocked BAT and ALT
switches, the ALT switch is mechanically inter-
locked with the BAT switch. When the ALT
switch is turned ON, the BAT switch will also
be turned ON. On airplanes with separate BAT
and ALT switch operation, the switches may be
positioned independently as desired.
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 Joad 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
REPORT: VB-1120 ISSUED: JULY 2, 1979
7-12 REVISED: NOVEMBER 15, 1982