A319
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 102
Other / Unknown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
During taxi into the gate at ZZZ while setting up for single engine taxi; I inadvertently selected the Number 1 ENG GEN switch off while intending to turn off the APU GEN switch to prevent a potential power cycle for a pending APU start. Because the Number 2 ENG GEN had already been turned off in preparation for single engine taxi (and awaiting the required 3 minutes for engine shutdown) switch misidentification resulted in a momentary loss of electrical power also effecting the nose wheel steering and brakes. The error was immediately noticed and power was reapplied retuning power; steering and braking immediately without incident.
While taxiing in; I was slowing to make the turn to enter the ramp area to park. The Number two engine was set up for single engine taxi waiting on the time to shut it down. The first Officer was going to start the APU so he went to turn off the APU Gen but accidentally hit the no.1 Gen instead of the APU gen. and we lost all power brakes and steering momentarily. He immediately realized what he had done and selected the no.1 gen back online. The aircraft drifted left of centerline and I almost missed the taxiway I was slowing for due to no brakes. The brakes and steering came back as soon as the power was selected back on and I was able to stop for the turn and correct back towards the taxiway centerline. The First Officer was new and finishing consolidation and thought he had the correct switch; immediately recognized the mistake and corrected the issue. I was looking out the window towards the gate and did not see the switch he was pushing.
A319 flight crew reported a momentary loss of electrical power during taxi when the operating generator disconnect switch was inadvertently activated.