Toggle switches are commonly found in aircraft cockpits. They typically feature an ON-OFF position that, as the name suggests, can be toggled. Fuel pumps, navigation lights, beacon lights and various avionics, for instance, are often controlled with a toggle switch. To activate one of these systems, the pilot or copilot can flip the appropriate toggle switch to the ON position. Toggle switches, however, typically feature a protective guard.
Overview of Toggle Switch Guards
Toggle switch guards are designed to prevent accidental activation or deactivation of toggle switches. Also known as toggle switch covers, they consist of a mountable frame with an opening in the center for a toggle switch. You can install them over a toggle switch. Once installed, you can then access the toggle switch by pulling up the top of the guard.
Common features of toggle switch guards include the following:
- Durable, corrosion-resistant construction
- Dust-proof enclosure for the toggle switch
- Available in different colors, with red, yellow and green being the most common
- Precut mounting holes
- Sized to fit standard aircraft toggle switches
Why Toggle Switch Guards Are Used in Aircraft
In addition to heavy machinery, toggle switch guards are commonly used in aircraft. Airplanes and other types of aircraft produce strong vibrations, which can contribute to the accidental activation or deactivation of toggle switches. Vibrations, for instance, may cause a flight attendant to accidentally bump into a toggle switch.
With toggle switch guards, there’s little or no risk of accidental activation or deactivation. The pilot or copilot must manually flip the guard up to reveal the toggle switch. Even if someone bumps into the toggle switch, they won’t be able to activate or deactivate it — assuming the guard is down.
Toggle switch guards can also lower the risk of human error. As previously mentioned, they are available in different colors. Installing toggle switch guards in an appropriate color can help pilots and copilots identify and distinguish between the different switches in a cockpit.
Pilots and copilots will likely become accustomed to seeing the colors of toggle switch guards. As a result, they can quickly find a toggle switch by looking for the correct color.
In Conclusion
Toggle switch guards play a critical role in aviation. They reduce the chance of mistakes and prevent unintended switch movement. Their durable construction, color-coded options and protective design make them especially valuable in vibration-heavy environments like aircraft cockpits.
