Simviation Forums

As you will be aware, the various electrical switches in Britain (at least) are designed to be switched; "down", for "on".

Over the years I have gradually got used to the various toggle, etc, switches in all of my aircraft, particularly American manufactured aircraft, to be switched "up" for "on"...

...except...

The panel switches on my Boeing 737-400, which are switched "DOWN" for "on"!

What reason would Boeing have, to change their mind for this particular model?... ...!

I am forever switching my various Lights, Pitot heat, etc, off, instead of on!... ...!

I find it very Confucius..... ....if not dangerous!.. ..!

Paul....Confuciusicating.... ..!

Not only US manufactured aircraft. I've always understood the "Up for On" on aircraft electrical switches originated with the mag switches which in the early days were ordinary brass light switches. You will know that magnetos are earthed (grounded) to switch off the engine. This involves closing the circuit which in Britain would normally mean moving the switch Down. As more electrical equipment was fitted to aircraft the switches followed the same convention. Up for ON - Down for OFF. As I said, that's what I was told when I first started in the business & I've believed it ever since.

I can't speak for Boeing. They are a law unto themselves.

Incidentally, until comparatively recently the throttle levers on French & Polish aircraft worked in the opposite direction to those from most other countries. I could never figure out the logic behind that. :-?

30 years ago I had a 30 minute arguement with a so called master electrician. He had set up a large office building with all the light switches set to up as being off. I gave up and let it go. 2 months later the powers that be made him come back and turn all the switches over so that up was on. It was around 2000 switches. When the business took possession of the new building the employees complained so much that the change had to be made. Now days of course they install motion detectors so if your sleeping at your desk the lights will go out! 

......[quote]..... Nowadays, of course, they install motion detectors, so if you're sleeping at your desk the lights will go out!

Funny you bring this up.  I have always been accustomed to up-on down-off switches.  Yesterday my fire department just received its newest engine, and all of its switches are the other way around, up-off and down-on.  I think I know why though, the old man owner/founder of the company is an antique European car fanatic, and it would make sense that these may have had an influence. 

Sidenote, his latest project is rebuilding a 1910-1920 or so Rolls Royce that he bought at an auction in about 80 large boxes.  Even the transmission and engine have had to be put back together piece by piece.

[quote]Funny you bring this up.

Sort-of-on the same subject, I wonder why the british and some other country's drive on the WRONG side of the road?

[quote]Sort-of-on the same subject, I wonder why the british and some other country's drive on the WRONG side of the road?

Sort-of-on the same subject, I wonder why the british and some other country's drive on the WRONG side of the road?

When they can't figure out what's right, they use what's left...