C906-5 – Carling Technologies Textron Aviation OEM Landing Light Switch
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Carling Technologies C906-5 is a flight-critical, heavy-duty toggle switch, specified by Textron Aviation as the OEM landing light switch for a wide range of Cessna aircraft. This is not a standard hardware switch; it is a robust, high-amperage component engineered to handle the massive inductive and resistive loads of high-wattage aircraft landing and taxi lights. Manufactured by Carling Technologies, a global leader in circuit control, the C906-5 is designed for exceptional durability and reliability. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand hundreds of thousands of actuation cycles, providing the positive, reliable control required for one of the most critical safety systems on the aircraft.
This switch's integrity is fundamental to the safe operation of the aircraft in low-visibility and night conditions. As a genuine OEM-specified part, it guarantees the correct electrical ratings and mechanical durability required for this demanding, high-current application.
Key Features
High-Amperage Capacity: Engineered with heavy-duty silver alloy contacts to reliably switch high-current DC circuits. It is specifically rated to handle the large inrush current of cold incandescent or halogen lamp filaments, as well as the steady-state current draw.
Robust Toggle Mechanism: Features a durable, positive-action toggle mechanism that provides a distinct tactile feel. This ensures the pilot has unambiguous confirmation of the switch's position (ON/OFF) without visual reference.
Durable Metal Construction: The entire body and bushing of the switch are constructed from metal, providing a rugged and durable component that is securely grounded to the instrument panel and resistant to mechanical stress and vibration.
Screw Terminal Connections: Equipped with robust screw terminals, providing the most secure and reliable method for connecting the large-gauge wires used in high-current lighting circuits.
OEM Specification: As the genuine component specified by Textron Aviation, it guarantees the correct electrical ratings, physical dimensions, and operational life required for a certified, airworthy installation.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: C906-5
Component Type: Heavy-Duty Toggle Switch
OEM Manufacturer: Carling Technologies
Primary Application: Landing Light / Taxi Light Control
Circuitry: Single Pole, Single Throw (SPST)
Actuation: ON-OFF
Electrical Rating (Typical):
20 Amps @ 125 VAC
10 Amps @ 250 VAC
15 Amps @ 28 VDC (Resistive Load)
Terminals: Screw Terminals
Mounting: Threaded Bushing with Keyway
Certification: UL, CSA, VDE Recognized / Conforms to OEM production standards.
Aircraft Compatibility
The C906-5 is a standard OEM landing and taxi light switch used on a vast number of Cessna single and multi-engine aircraft. It is imperative to consult the specific aircraft's Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for final verification.
Common Aircraft Models:
Cessna 100 Series: 152, 172, 180, 182, 185
Cessna 200 Series: 206, 207, 210
Cessna 300 Series: 310, 337, 340
Cessna 400 Series: 402, 414, 421
Applications
The C906-5 is a primary pilot interface for a critical aircraft system:
Lighting Control: Its sole function is to act as the master switch for the high-current landing and/or taxi light circuits.
Component Replacement: The primary component to replace when a landing light switch becomes intermittent, fails, or exhibits a worn or loose toggle mechanism.
Why Choose C906-5?
The landing light circuit carries a significant electrical load, and the switch must be able to handle it without overheating or failing. A failed switch can leave a pilot without a landing light in a critical phase of flight. The Carling C906-5 is the genuine OEM part, engineered with heavy-duty contacts and a robust mechanism specifically for this high-stress application. Using a non-certified, lower-amperage switch would create a significant fire hazard. For the safety and reliability of your aircraft's lighting system, there is no substitute for a genuine, OEM-specified part.
The Carling C906-5 is specifically designed to handle inductive loads. When an incandescent lamp like a landing light is first turned on, the cold filament has a very low resistance, causing an "inrush current" that can be 10-15 times the steady-state operating current. Furthermore, when the switch is opened, the collapsing magnetic field in the long wires to the light can create a significant inductive voltage spike. The C906-5 is an AC/DC rated switch with wide-gap silver alloy contacts. These features are critical for quenching the electrical arc that is drawn when the contacts open under these high-current DC loads. This robust arc-suppression capability is what prevents the switch's contacts from pitting, eroding, and failing prematurely, a common failure mode for switches not designed for this specific type of load.
Note: This is a flight-critical electrical component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic or avionics technician. All electrical connections must be secure and torqued to the specified value to prevent high resistance and heat buildup. Verify proper operation after installation.