Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

An electrically actuated valve in hydraulic systems is designed to respond to electrical inputs. When considering the failure of power, it's essential to understand the operational characteristics of these valves. The correct feature to highlight is that an electrically actuated valve typically defaults to the open position when power is lost. This design feature is crucial for maintaining safety and operational continuity in aviation systems, as it prevents hydraulic pressure from being inadvertently trapped, which could lead to system malfunctions or failures that affect control surfaces.

The rationale behind this design choice is to ensure that in the event of a power failure, the system minimizes risks by allowing fluid to flow and avoiding situations where the valve could remain closed and disrupt system pressure. This characteristic is particularly important in aviation, where system reliability and safety are paramount.

Valves that remain closed during power failure could lead to dangerous conditions, while those that require manual resetting after failure would introduce delays and the potential for human error. Similarly, a valve that automatically opens upon the restoration of power may lead to unintended system operations unless specific mechanisms are in place to ensure safe transitions between states. Therefore, the design of electrically actuated valves is focused on maximizing safety and efficiency, making their tendency to open upon power loss a key characteristic.