Aircraft Electrical System Components

From landing gear to flight surfaces, a great number of aircraft systems now utilize electronics to some degree for their operation and control. With a complex electronic system within an aircraft, many electronics and aircraft components work together to provide efficient operation that can be relied upon. To best understand the aircraft electrical system, it is beneficial to first be aware of the various major parts that make it up, as well as how each functions.

One of the most important types of electronic parts found within an aircraft system comes in the form of the switch, that of which is a device that operates to open and close circuits. Within the switch housing, one or more pairs of contacts are placed, and current can flow throughout them while the contacts are closed. With a component such as a spring, the contacts can be separated and closed with ease depending on their default configuration, allowing for optimal control over the system. With such simple operation, an aircraft switch can be used to actuate systems such as flaps and landing gear, all while allowing the pilot to govern such systems from within the cockpit with a control switch.

Depending on the operation that is being conducted, there are various switches that may be used to control the aircraft’s electrical components. With a toggle switch or rocker switch, many of the electrical aircraft components may be controlled by the pilot. For systems such as radio control panels, rotary switches are utilized, allowing for fine-control through a knob or shaft. Additionally, other types of aircraft switches include SPST, DPST, SPDT, DPDT, and more, each providing their own unique routes, positioning, and circuits.

Relays are a specific type of switch, allowing for large currents to be governed with a smaller current. With such aircraft parts, motors and other electronic systems can be switched on and off with ease. Relay components typically come in one of two types, those being electromechanical and solid state. Electromechanical relays are those with a fixed core and moving plate, and induced current causes a magnetic field to generate which actuates a lever for moving contacts. With solid state relays, similar operations may be conducted without the need for moving parts.

With a great amount of electrical currents running through systems and cabling, it is important that there are current limiting devices put in place as to protect components. For the safety of the system, circuit breakers and fuses are often placed near the electrical power source bus to prevent surges and other electrical issues. Circuit breakers are a type of electrical switch that is automatically operated, and they function to cut the flow of electricity when a fault is detected. As such, the circuit breaker can protect systems and appliances from electrical damage, also ensuring the safety of all on board. When current breakers trip, they may be manually reset unless the system is automatic.

Fuses provide a similar protective functionality that circuit breakers do, though they are only a one-time-use component. Consisting of a metal strip that is placed within a housing, fuses are directly installed within the circuit, allowing for current to pass through them during normal operation. When a fault occurs that exceeds safe values, the metal strip is designed to melt or break, causing the flow of current to stop in its tracks. With a fast acting fuse, breaking current during a fault is rapid, ensuring sensitive components are safe. While only being able to be used once before requiring replacement, fuses can sometimes provide quicker action as compared to circuit breakers.

With solenoid coils, aircraft switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and other electronic aircraft parts, the aircraft’s electrical components can be optimally controlled and protected. When you are in need of robust electronics that you can rely on for your flight operations, look no further than Veritable Aerospace. As a leading distributor of aviation parts and electronic components, we provide customers access to an unrivaled inventory that has been sourced from countless top global manufacturers. Get started on the purchasing process today and experience how we can serve as your strategic sourcing partner today.


  1. Posted on December 8, 2020
  2. aviation

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