Understanding the Electrical System on the Airbus A320

CONTROLS & NORMAL ABNORMAL
ELECTRICAL 1 of 140 OVERVIEW

INDICATORS OPERATION OPERATION
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Welcome to this presentation

covering the electrical system
on A320 Series aircraft.
An efficient electrical system is

critical for a highly
computerized, modern
commercial jet aircraft.
The A320 Series electrical
system is similar in its basic STAT
design to electrical systems on
other aircraft, but more
automated in operation and
easier to use.
We will begin by discussing the
basic design of the system.
EXIT TO
SECTION - OVERVIEW MAIN MENU
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
Let's start by looking at the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

sources of AC power.
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED
AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
Two engine driven generators HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

are the primary source of AC
power once the engines are BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
running.
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
Each engine driven generator
STATIC
is connected to its engine’s INVERTER DC ESS BUS
accessory section and AC STAT
maintained at a constant INVERTER BUS DC ESS
speed by an Integrated Drive SHED
Generator (IDG). ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
The IDG may be disconnected EMER
when necessary. Because the AC ESS BUS GEN
APU runs at a constant AC ESS
speed, no IDG is required. SHED
This terminology can be AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED
confusing to those new to AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
Airbus. The IDG is not the BUS TIE BUS TIE
generator itself but a part of
the generator system.
You could think of it as the
Integrated Drive of the
APU
Generator. Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
Generator
1 2
The IDGs are similar to the PWR
Constant Speed Drives
(CSDs) on older generation
aircraft.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
The electrical network can HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

also be supplied by the APU
driven generator. BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
This generator does not

DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
require an IDG due to the
STATIC
relatively constant operating INVERTER DC ESS BUS
speed of the APU. AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
Any one of these generators, HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

engine or APU driven, are
capable of powering the entire BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
aircraft’s electrical needs on
their own. DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
However, if only one INVERTER DC ESS BUS
generator is the source of AC STAT
power in flight, main galley INVERTER BUS DC ESS
power is automatically shed. SHED
On the ground, main galley ESS

TR 1 TR TR 2
power is not shed if the APU EMER
generator is the only source of AC ESS BUS GEN
power. AC ESS
SHED
This will be discussed in
greater detail later in this AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED
lesson. AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
On the ground, the entire HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

electrical system can be
powered by an external power BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
source.
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
AC power sources initially HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

supply power to the two AC
busses, AC BUS 1 and AC BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
BUS 2.
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
Shown here is the standard
STATIC
configuration when both INVERTER DC ESS BUS
engine driven generators are AC STAT
operating. INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
We can observe that the bus TR
TR 1 TR 2
tie contactors on the cross tie EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
bus are open, effectively
splitting the system in half. AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
This allows GEN 1 to power HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

items on the left side of the
system. BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
This includes items such as: DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2

STATIC
- AC BUS 1 INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
- AC ESS BUS DC ESS
INVERTER BUS
SHED
- AC ESS SHED
ESS
- DC BUS 1 TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
- DC BAT BUS AC ESS BUS GEN
- BATTERY 1 and 2 AC ESS
SHED
- DC ESS BUS
- DC ESS SHED
AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
The AC and DC ESSential
busses are so named
because they power items
necessary for the safe
recovery of the aircraft. APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
This is important should there 1 2
PWR
be a loss of normal electrical
power sources.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
If only GEN 1 is operating, the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

bus ties allow GEN 1 to power
items on the right side of the BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
system.
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
This includes items such as:
STATIC
- AC BUS 2 INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
- DC BUS 2 INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
GEN 2 normally powers items HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

on the right side of the
system. BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
This includes items such as:

DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
- AC BUS 2 STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
- DC BUS 2 AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
If the AC ESS FEED pb is HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

pushed, GEN 2 can provide
an alternate power source for BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
the essential busses:
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
- AC ESS BUS
STATIC
- AC ESS SHED INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
- DC ESS BUS INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
- DC ESS SHED
ESS
More on this later in the TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
lesson. AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
If only GEN 2 is operating, the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

bus ties allow GEN 2 to power
items on the left side of the BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
system.
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
When the APU generator (or HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

external power) is the only AC
power source, the bus tie BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
contactors on the cross tie
bus close. This allows either DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
power source to power the STATIC
entire system. INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
These bus tie contactors also INVERTER BUS DC ESS
close when necessary to allow SHED
a single engine driven ESS
generator to power the entire TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
system as mentioned AC ESS BUS GEN
previously.
AC ESS
In this example, external SHED
power is powering the entire
system. AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED
AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 OR PWR
2
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
An emergency generator HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

(EMER GEN), powered by
hydraulic pressure provided BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
by a Ram Air Turbine (RAT),
is the primary backup AC DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
power source, should normal STATIC
power sources fail. INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
The RAT pressurizes the SHED
BLUE hydraulic system, which
powers a hydraulic motor that ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
drives the EMER GEN. EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
The EMER GEN provides AC
AC ESS
power directly to the AC ESS SHED
BUS, and through the ESS
TR, supplies DC power to the AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED
DC ESS BUS. AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
As long as the emergency
generator is running, the AC
and DC ESS SHED buses will
remain powered.
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
The ship’s batteries (BAT 1 HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

and BAT 2) provide yet an
additional backup source of BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
electrical power should all
primary power sources and DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
the EMER GEN fail. STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
If that occurs: AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
• BAT 2 automatically powers SHED
the DC ESS BUS directly.
ESS
• BAT 1, through a STATIC TR 1 TR TR 2
INVERTER, powers the AC EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
ESS BUS.
• The AC and DC ESS SHED AC ESS
busses automatically shed to SHED
lighten the electrical load on AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED
the system.
AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
Each battery has an
associated Battery Charge
Limiter (BCL). The BCL
monitors battery charging and
controls its battery contactor. APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
A commonly used memory aid

for the electrical priority logic
is GEARB.
enerators ( engine driven )
xternal Power ( ONLY if selected ON )
PU generator
am air turbine ( emergency generator )
atteries
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The three types of circuit

breakers are used to protect
the system.
The green circuit breakers are

monitored by the ECAM. If
they trip and are not reset OVERHEAD AND REAR CIRCUIT BREAKER PANELS
within one minute, a C/B
TRIPPED ECAM message is
generated. GREEN - MONITORED
Black circuit breakers are not STAT

monitored. INV
BLACK – NOT MONITORED
The red circuit breakers are
related to the Wing Tip Brakes
(WTBs).
REAR CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL ONLY
The wing tip brakes engage if
certain slat / flap malfunctions RED COLLAR – PREVENTS THE FLIGHT CREW
occur. The red collar prevents FROM PULLING CIRCUIT BREAKER
the circuit breaker from being
pulled.
This completes the

OVERVIEW section.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We now move on to the

electrical system controls and
indicators.
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SECTION - CONTROLS & INDICATORS MAIN MENU
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The electrical system can be

monitored by selecting the
ELEC key on the ECAM
control panel.
As with other systems, the
page will automatically be
displayed in some situations
(abnormals). STAT
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The primary AC power

sources are depicted at the
bottom of the ELEC page.
The engine driven generators,

GEN 1 and GEN 2, are
displayed along with their IDGs.
When a generator is selected

on, the GEN label is white. The
load, voltage, and frequency STAT
are normally displayed in
green.
The engine generators provide:
- 90 kilovolt-ampere (KVA)
- 3 phase
- 115-200 volts (V)
- 400 hertz
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If any of these parameters is

out of the normal range, the
GEN label is displayed in
amber.
The load indication is

displayed in amber if the load
exceeds 100%.
The voltage and frequency

indications are displayed in
amber if these parameters are STAT
out of the normal range.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
These green lines indicate

that the generator is supplying
power to its respective AC
BUS.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this example, GEN 2 is

selected OFF.
Notice the green line

indicating that GEN 1 is now
powering AC BUS 2 via the
cross tie bus.
NOTE: Depending on
FADEC power status and
whether or not the respective
engine is running, the
generator and IDG numbers
may be displayed in amber.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The IDGs are displayed below

each generator display.
Each IDG uses an

independent closed oil system
which circulates oil
continuously through the IDG
and a cooler.
The IDG indications include

the oil temperature which is
displayed in green when the STAT
temperature is in the normal
range.
The IDG’s oil temperature

pulses green as an advisory
and the ELEC page is
automatically displayed if the
IDG oil temp approaches a 150
preset limit.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The IDG’s oil temperature is

displayed in amber, along with
the IDG label, if the
temperature exceeds a limit.
This is accompanied by an
ECAM message on the E/WD
directing you to disconnect the
affected IDG.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If the respective engine is

running and the IDG oil
pressure drops below a preset
limit, LO PR is displayed
below the IDG label.
This is also accompanied by

an ECAM message on the
E/WD directing you to
disconnect the affected IDG.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If the IDG has been

disconnected, DISC is
displayed below the IDG label.
The engine driven generator

is no longer available. The
IDGs cannot be reconnected
in flight.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The APU GEN load, volts, and

frequency are depicted with
the same logic employed for
GEN 1 and GEN 2.
In this example, the APU is

running, the APU generator is
operating normally, but the
APU GEN is not supplying
power to the system since both
engine driven generators are
operating.
The engine driven generators

have priority over the APU on
their respective sides.
Just like the engine driven

generators, the APU
generators provide:
- 3 phase
- 115-200 volts (V)
- 400 hertz
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this example, the APU GEN

is supplying power to the
entire system through the
cross tie bus, since both
generators are not operating.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The APU GEN depiction

changes significantly
depending on the status of the
APU and the APU GEN pb on
the ELEC panel.

shut down.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ

running but the APU GEN pb
on the ELEC panel is selected
OFF.
This would be unusual

because the APU GEN is
normally left in the on (lights
out) position.

running and the APU GEN pb
is in its normal lights out
position.
However, because the engine

generators are both running,
the APU generator is not
supplying power to the
system.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When external power is not

connected to the aircraft the
area to the right of the APU
GEN on the ELEC page is
blank.
When external power is

plugged into the aircraft, the
external power depiction is
displayed.
In this example, external

power is plugged in to the
aircraft, but not in use. The
APU GEN is powering the
system.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this example external

power is plugged into the
aircraft and is in use.
Switching between external

power and the indications of
which power source are
currently in use will be
discussed in greater detail in
the NORMAL OPERATION
section.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The major electrical buses are

displayed on the ELEC page.
Each bus label is normally

green.
The label is displayed in

amber if the bus is not
supplied.
STAT
INV
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The AC buses are displayed

on the lower half of the page.
The DC buses are displayed

on the upper half of the page.
STAT
INV
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Two additional buses (The AC

ESS SHED and DC ESS
SHED) will shed automatically
when power sources have
degraded.
This is represented by the

amber word “SHED” only if the
bus is shed.
SHED is not displayed if the

respective bus is powered.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The essential TR and the

emergency generator are
normally displayed in white.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
They only become active in

abnormal situations and more
information is then provided
on the ECAM.
The emergency generator

provides:
- 3 phase
- 115-200 Volts (V)
- 400 hertz
We will look at the ESS TR

and the EMER GEN in more
detail in the ABNORMAL
OPERATION section of this
lesson.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The two primary Transformer

Rectifiers, TR1 and TR2, are
displayed just above the AC
busses.
The TR labels are normally

white and the voltage and
amperage readouts are
normally green.
STAT
INV
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The voltage readout is

displayed in amber if the
voltage moves outside the
normal range.
The amperage readout is

amperage drops below a
preset limit.
The TR labels are displayed in

amber if either the voltage or STAT
amperage readout is INV
displayed in amber.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ

normal range.
The amperage readout is

amperage drops below a
preset limit.
The TR labels are displayed in

amber if either the voltage or STAT
amperage readout is INV
displayed in amber.
Also notice that the other TR

automatically replaces the
faulty one.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
At the top of the ELEC page is

a depiction of the aircraft
batteries.
If a battery is OFF, it is
depicted as you see here.
STAT
INV
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Remember that each

battery has an associated
BCL that controls its battery
contactor.
If the area between the

battery depictions and the DC
BAT BUS is blank, this means
that the battery contactor that
connects a battery to the DC
BAT BUS is open and no STAT
current is flowing. INV
A green line is displayed when

the battery contactor is
closed,
However, a green arrow is not

displayed if the flow is less
than 1 amp.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
A green arrow pointing

towards the battery indicates
that the battery is taking a
charge from the DC BAT bus
of 1 amp or greater.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
An amber arrow pointing away

from the battery indicates that
the battery is discharging
current to the system at a rate
greater than 1 amp.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Similar to the TRs, the BAT1

and BAT2 labels are normally
white. The voltage and
amperage readouts are
normally green.

normal range.
The amperage readout is STAT

displayed in amber if the INV
discharge current is greater
than 5A.
The battery labels are

displayed in amber if either
the voltage or amperage
readout is displayed in amber.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We will now discuss the ELEC

control panel which is located
in the center of the overhead
panel.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The GEN 1 and GEN 2 pbs

can be used to select the
respective engine driven
generator OFF when
necessary.
These pbs are normally left in

the on (lights out) position.
When the generator is

operating normally, this allows
the generator line contactors STAT
to close and connect the
generators to the aircraft’s
electrical system when
appropriate.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The FAULT light illuminates if

the pb is selected on and the
line contactor is open.
For example, both FAULT

lights illuminate when the line
contactor opens after engine
shutdown at the gate.
Illuminated FAULT lights are

normal during the preflight.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If a GEN pb is selected OFF

the generator field is de-
energized and the line
contactor opens.
Advance to select the GEN 1

pb OFF. This will shut down
the generator 1.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
GEN 1 is now selected OFF.
This position may also reset a

faulted circuit, allowing the
crew to attempt to bring a
faulted generator back on-line.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The guarded IDG pbs are CAUTION

normally lights out.
To prevent damage, an IDG pb must not be
Pushing one disconnects the pushed for longer than 3 seconds and the
respective IDG from the respective engine must be running or windmilling.
engine’s accessory gear box.
If disconnected, the respective

generator is lost for the
remainder of the flight. An
IDG can only be reset on the
ground by maintenance. STAT
So you better be sure you

push the right one, hence the
guard.
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SECTION - MAIN MENU
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The FAULT light illuminates,

and an ECAM message is
displayed if either of the
following occur:
• High IDG oil temperature
• Low IDG oil pressure
Advance to lift the guard and

push the IDG 2 pb.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Notice on the ELEC page that

IDG 2 is now disconnected.
The FAULT light in the GEN 2

pb indicates that the generator
is off line.
STAT
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The APU GEN pb operates in

basically the same way as the
GEN 1 and GEN 2 pbs.
It is normally left in the on

(lights out) position to allow
the APU generator to power
the electrical system when it is
available and appropriate.
You will rarely (if ever) push

this pb. STAT
INV
The FAULT light illuminates
and an ECAM message is
displayed if the APU is
running, the APU GEN pb is
selected on, and the line
contactor is open.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The EXT PWR pb allows the

crew to monitor the status of
external power and to connect
or disconnect it from the
electrical system when
necessary.
The AVAIL light indicates that

external power is plugged into
the aircraft and the external
power is within parameters.
STAT
The AVAIL light does not INV
indicate that EXT PWR is
supplying the electrical
system.
It only means that it is plugged

in. The EXT PWR pb MUST
BE selected ON to supply the
electrical.
Advance to select the EXT

PWR pb to the ON position.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Note that external power has

priority over the APU GEN
and comes on-line to power
the entire system.
STAT
INV
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Don’t allow yourself to be

fooled by the AVAIL light.
Here is a classic example of

how it can be misleading.
You have just arrived at the
gate with the APU running
and you have just shut down
both engines.
You see that external power is

AVAIL so you incorrectly STAT
decide to shut down the APU. INV
Advance to shut down the

APU and its generator by
pushing the APU MASTER
SW pb.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
You have just shut down AC

power to the aircraft.
External power could not take

over from the APU GEN
because the EXT PWR pb
was not first selected ON.
STAT
INV
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
A similar mistake can occur

prior to pushback when the
ground crew wants pull the
external power cord.
The APU is running but the

EXT PWR is still in use. You
should deselect EXT PWR
prior to the ground crew
pulling the cord.
This will prevent arcing and

“sparks” that could injure
ground personnel.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
To deselect external power,

check to ensure another
power source is available
(unless you are trying to shut
down the aircraft). In this
case the APU is running and
ready to go.
If the external power cord

were accidentally unplugged,
the APU would automatically
power the electrical system STAT
because it is AVAIL. INV
However, unplugging the

power cord when it is still in
use is poor technique (and
dangerous).
Advance to deselect external

power by pushing the EXT
PWR pb.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The ON light extinguishes, the

AVAIL light illuminates
(external power is still plugged
into the aircraft) and the APU
GEN is now powering the
electrical system.
Remember, that the APU GEN

pb is normally left in the ON
position. If the APU is running,
the APU GEN will also be
running. STAT
INV
Because of the priority logic,
you can see that the EXT PWR
pb is used to transfer to APU
power. This is a very important
concept to understand.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Assuming both engines are off

(and all pbs are in their correct
positions), two AVAIL lights
means that the APU will be
powering the aircraft.
This is another very important

concept to understand.
Also, if the APU were to AUTO

SHUTDOWN. The external
power would not power the STAT
INV
system. Remember that the
EXT PWR will never power the
system unless ON is
illuminated.
This can be confusing because

it is the opposite of the APU
indications (AVAIL vs. ON)
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The AC ESS FEED pb is

normally left in the lights out
position.
It is used in the course of

certain electrical system
abnormal procedures to allow
AC BUS 2 to provide power to
the AC ESS and AC ESS
SHED buses.
We will discuss the AC ESS STAT

FEED pb in more detail in the INV
ABNORMAL OPERATION
section.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The BUS TIE pb is normally

left in the lights out position.
The bus ties are NOT

depicted on the ELEC page.
Visualizing them as you see
here can help you to
understand their function.
If the BUS TIE pb is selected

OFF, both bus ties open and
neither external power nor the STAT
APU generator can supply the INV
electrical system.
With the BUS TIE pb in AUTO

Bus Ties
the ties can open and close as
necessary. In this example,
they are both closed to
provide external power to the
entire electrical system.
We will discuss the use of the

BUS TIE pb in more detail in
the ABNORMAL OPERATION
section.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The GALLEY pb is normally

left in the AUTO (lights out)
position.
In the AUTO position, the main

galley, secondary galley, and
in-seat power are supplied.
The main galley and in-seat

power are shed automatically if
only one generator is
operating; the secondary STAT
galley remains powered (i.e., INV
you will have hot coffee).
An exception to this is when

the aircraft is on the ground
and either the APU or external
power are supplying the
electrical system.
In that case, the entire

electrical system is powered.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The GALLEY pb FAULT light

illuminates, accompanied by
an ECAM message, when the
load on any generator is more
than 100% of rated output.
The ECAM message would

include a step that requires
you to select the GALLEY pb
OFF.
Advance to select the STAT

GALLEY pb OFF. INV
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Selecting the GALLEY pb

OFF depowers the main
galley, secondary galley, and
in-seat power.
In other words, ALL galley

power has been selected
OFF.
This should reduce the load

on the generator.
STAT
INV
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this example, we are in

flight and GEN 2 has been
selected OFF.
As previously mentioned the

main galley and in-seat power
are automatically shed.
However, secondary galley

power remains available and
will power smaller items such
as the coffee makers. STAT
INV
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Finally, we arrive at the

battery voltage indicators and
battery pbs at the top of the
ELEC panel.
The battery voltage indicators

show the current voltage of
each battery.
They are connected to the hot

battery busses so they are DC BAT BUS
always available even if the INV
HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
battery and other power
sources are OFF.
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
A read out of battery voltage

is also available on the ELEC
page.
However, if all power to the

aircraft is removed, the ELEC
page will obviously not be
available.
STAT
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The BAT 1 and BAT 2 pbs

control the operation of their
corresponding battery charge
limiters.
The battery charge limiters

automatically control the
connection and disconnection
of the corresponding battery
to the DC BAT BUS by closing
and opening the battery line
contactors. STAT
DC BAT BUS
INV
HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
SHED
ESS
TR TR 2
EMER
AC ESS BUS GEN
AC ESS
SHED
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
With the BAT pbs in their

normal AUTO (lights out)
position the battery line
contactors close, connecting
their respective battery to the -For APU starts
DC BAT BUS:
- For APU starts

(limited to 3 minutes if
operating on EMER GEN)
- If battery voltage is - When battery voltage is detected to be below 26.5 V

detected to be below 26.5V
(to allow for battery charging)
And ……..
STAT
DC BAT BUS
HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The battery line contactors

also close:
- On the ground when AC

BUS 1 and AC BUS 2 are not - On the ground when AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2 are not supplied.
supplied. This allows the
batteries to supply DC power
and limited AC power through
a static inverter prior to APU
start if external power is not
available.
- In flight if AC BUS 1 and AC BUS 2 are not supplied
- In flight if AC Bus 1 and AC
BUS 2 are not supplied and and the EMER GEN is not working
the EMER GEN is not
operating (worst case
emergency electrical power
scenario)
STAT
DC BAT BUS
HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
During normal operations the

contactors are open most of
the time.
Automatic battery cut-off logic

prevents the batteries from
discharging completely when
the aircraft is on the ground.
This cut-off logic automatically

opens the battery contactors if
ALL of the following conditions
are met:
• The aircraft is on the ground.
• The BAT pbs are in AUTO.
• An AC power source is not
available.
• Battery voltage is low.
The crew can reset the STAT

DC BAT BUS
contactors by selecting the
BAT pbs OFF then to AUTO. HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
With the BAT pbs selected

OFF, the battery line
contactors are open and the
charge limiters are not
working.
STAT
DC BAT BUS
HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Without power on the aircraft, it

is difficult to determine if the
batteries are OFF.
This is because the OFF lights
require power to illuminate.
But, if the batteries are in
AUTO, the OFF light will also
not be illuminated.
In this situation, you have to
use an alternate method to
determine if the BAT pbs are
OFF or AUTO.
If the batteries are selected to
AUTO:
• The pbs are slightly recessed
into the panel – they are
latched in the AUTO position.
• The green landing gear down
lights illuminate.
• Some cockpit lighting is
available.
In this example, the batteries
are in AUTO.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If the pb is flush with the panel

(i.e., not latched in) the pb is
in the OFF position.
In this example, the Batteries

are OFF.
Advance to select BAT 1 to

AUTO and observe the
effects.
When a BAT pb is selected to

AUTO, the OFF light in the
other BAT pb illuminates.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The FAULT light in a BAT pb

illuminates, accompanied by
an ECAM message, if the
charging current for the
corresponding battery is
outside normal limits. The
battery contactor will open
automatically.
STAT
DC BAT BUS
HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
STATIC
INVERTER DC ESS BUS
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We now move on to the

EMER ELEC PWR panel
located on the left side of the
overhead panel.
The guarded EMER GEN

TEST pb is used by
maintenance personnel to test
the operation of the
emergency generator.
The GEN 1 LINE pb allows

the crew to control a special
circuit that dedicates GEN 1 to
power ONLY one fuel pump in
each wing. It is used as part of
the procedure for the avionics
smoke abnormal.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The red FAULT light on this

panel illuminates if all of the
following conditions are met:
• The aircraft is in flight.
• AC 1 BUS and AC 2 BUS
are not powered.
• The EMER GEN IS NOT
supplying power, which it
should be doing.
In that case the guarded RAT STAT

& EMER GEN MAN ON pb INV
could be used to attempt to
manually activate EMER
GEN.
FAULT
We will see this FAULT light
and pb again in the
ABNORMAL OPERATION
section.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The external power panel

near the nose gear provides
two lights used by ground
personnel to monitor the
status of external power.
The white NOT IN USE light

illuminates if not currently
supplying the aircraft’s
electrical system.
This provides them with a

confirmation, along with the
captain’s verbal assurance,
that it is safe to remove
external power.
The amber AVAIL light

illuminates if external power is
available for the crew to use
and the voltage is correct.
In this example, the AVAIL

light in the EXT PWR pb in the
cockpit would be illuminated
because external power is
connected but not being used.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this example, external

power is connected, the
voltage is correct, and is
currently powering the aircraft.
The ON light in the EXT PWR

pb in the cockpit would be
illuminated.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
It is also possible to energize

electrical circuits for ground
servicing without energizing
the entire aircraft electrical
system.
This can be accomplished

using the MAINT BUS switch
located on a panel in the
ceiling area of the forward
galley.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
In the ON position the switch HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

latches magnetically if external
power is connected. BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
The ON position allows ONLY DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2

the AC and DC GND/FLT buses STATIC
to be powered. Some of the INVERTER DC ESS BUS
items available in this AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
configuration include: SHED DC GND/
FLT
- Passenger lighting ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
- Galley lighting EMER
- Entrance area lights AC ESS BUS GEN
- Lavatory lighting and service AC GND/
AC ESS FLT
- Vacuum cleaner sockets SHED
- Cockpit outlets
- Yellow hydraulic pump AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED
- Cockpit flood lighting AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
- Fuel quantity indicators BUS TIE BUS TIE
- Cargo lighting
- Landing gear compartment
lighting
- Belly fairing panel outlets
- Ground call APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
- Equipment compartment lights 1 2
PWR
and service outlets
- Navigation lights
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
DC BAT BUS
The switch trips off when the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2
external power is removed.
BATTERY 1 BATTERY 2
In the off position the AC and
DC GND/FLT buses are DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2
connected to AC BUS 2 and STATIC
DC BUS 2. INVERTER DC ESS BUS
AC STAT
INVERTER BUS DC ESS
The AC and DC GND/FLT SHED DC GND/
buses not depicted on the FLT
ELEC page. ESS
TR 1 TR TR 2
EMER
This completes the AC ESS BUS GEN
CONTROLS & INDICATORS AC GND/
AC ESS FLT
section. SHED

AC BUS 1 AC BUS 2
BUS TIE BUS TIE
APU
Generator Generator
Generator EXTERNAL
1 2
PWR
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Let's take a look at how you will

interact with the electrical
system during normal
operations.
Some of the items discussed in

this section are accomplished
by a specific crewmember.
You can refer to the appropriate

manual to determine specific
crew duties.
EXIT TO
SECTION - NORMAL OPERATION MAIN MENU
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If we arrive at an aircraft that

has been unpowered for more
than 6 hours it will be
necessary to check the
voltage of the batteries.
Make sure the batteries are

OFF when checking the
voltage. Remember, the OFF
lights do not function with no
power on the aircraft.
Check for greater than 25.5

volts to ensure the batteries
have a charge above 50%.
In this example, both batteries

pass the test. We would
normally select the BAT pbs
to AUTO, establish external
power or start the APU, and
then continue with your
preflight checks.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this example, one of the

batteries does not pass this
test. In this case it will be
necessary to do the following:
- Select the batteries to AUTO
- Establish EXT PWR for at
least 20 minutes
- Recheck the batteries in the
OFF position
- Select the batteries back to
AUTO
We will first select both battery

pbs to AUTO. We have now
done this for you. You will not
see a change on the BAT pbs
since the AUTO position is
lights out.
One of the items that is

working now is VHF 1. We
could use it to call for external
power if necessary.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Next we will establish external

power. Here external power
has been plugged into the
aircraft.
Advance to select the EXT

PWR pb to ON.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
External power is now

established and the entire
aircraft electrical system is
powered. We have selected
the ELEC page for you.
You can see that the battery

contactors are closed and the
batteries are charging.
In this example, the BCL is

charging both batteries
because the voltages are both
below 26.5 volts.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Charge the batteries for 20

minutes. While doing so you
can press on with other
preflight tasks.
The APU should not be

started during this 20 minute
charging period. Starting the
APU would drain the batteries
even further.
Starting the APU would also

prevent charging of the
batteries for approximately 30
minutes. This is to prevent
overheating of the batteries.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
After 20 minutes, select the

battery pbs back to OFF and
check that voltage is greater
than 25.5.
You would then select the

battery pbs back to AUTO.
We have done that for you.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
During the preflight check of

the overhead panel ensure
that guards are down and
lights are out on the EMER
ELEC PWR panel.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
During preflight of the ELEC

panel it is normal for the
FAULT lights on the GEN 1
and GEN 2 pbs to be
illuminated. Check closely to
make sure it is not the OFF
lights you see illuminated in
these pbs.
As a general rule of thumb,

there should not be any white
lights illuminated on the
overhead panel during the
preflight. Any white lights
would need further attention
or action.
All remaining pbs should be

lights out and the guards
should be down on both IDG
pbs.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Later in the preflight the

captain is required to do a
second battery check. To do
so, the ELEC page must be
displayed. We have done this
for you.
You would now select the

battery pbs OFF.
Advance to select the battery

pbs OFF.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
You now turn each battery on

one at time.
When you do so check the

strength of each battery by
checking that the battery
charge current is below 60 A
and decreasing within 10
seconds.

AUTO and check the
amperage for BAT1 on the
ELEC page.
Battery 1 has passed the test.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ

AUTO and check the
amperage for BAT 2 on the
ELEC page.
Again, the amperage is less

than 60 amps within 10
seconds. Battery 2 has
passed the test.
If a battery does not pass this

test, maintenance assistance
is required.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Now it is time to start the APU.
Let's push the APU MASTER

SW. The ON light should
illuminate.
The MASTER SW ON light

illuminates.
After 5 seconds, we can push

the APU START pb.
Advance to push the APU

START PB.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When the ON light in the

START pb illuminates it does
not mean that the APU has
started. It simply means that
the APU start process is in
progress.
The APU generator is not yet

available with the ON light
illuminated. This is important
to remember.
Do not allow the ground crew

to pull the external power cord
when the APU start is in
progress.
This would lead to

accidentally depowering the
electrical system.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The AVAIL light is now

illuminated and we can
transfer to APU power.
While it would not be normal

to have the ELEC page
displayed at this time, we
have done so for academic
reasons.
The ELEC panel will not

indicate if APU power is
available. The APU GEN pb
simply remains in its lights out
(on) position.
The APU GEN box now

shows up on the ELEC page.
Since external power has

priority over the APU GEN,
external power is still
powering the entire system.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Do you remember from

controls and indicators which
pb we have to push to transfer
to APU power?
If you said deselect EXT PWR

you would be correct. This
disconnect external power
from the system and allows
the APU to power the
electrical system.
Advance to deselect the

EXT PWR pb on the ELEC
panel.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The APU GEN has now taken

over and is powering the
entire system.
The two AVAIL lights are also

a clue that the APU is
powering the electrical
system.
Advance to allow ground

personnel to pull the EXT
PWR.
Ground personnel has

unplugged external power
from the aircraft.
The external power depiction

on the ELEC page is removed
and the AVAIL in the EXT
PWR pb extinguishes.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We will now start the engines,

again reminding you that the
ELEC page would not
normally be displayed at this
time.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We have now started engine

2. Generator 2 is on-line and
powering the right side of the
system. The FAULT light in
the GEN 2 pb has
extinguished.
The APU, through the left bus

tie, continues to power the left
side.
The right bus tie opened

automatically to isolate the
two sources of AC power.
Keep in mind that the bus ties

are not depicted on the ELEC
page.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We have now started engine

1. Notice the changes on the
ELEC panel and ELEC page.
Generator 1 is on-line and
powering the left side of the
system. The FAULT light in
the GEN 1 pb has
extinguished.
The left bus tie opened
automatically. With both bus
ties open, the APU is not
powering anything.
At this point, if you selected
the BUS TIE pb OFF it would
have no effect because they
are both already open.
Advance to push the APU

MASTER SW to shut down
the APU.
Notice that the APU box and

Permanently Displayed
parameters are no longer
displayed on the ELEC page.
However, the white APU GEN
indication is permanently
displayed.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Let's look at some abnormals

related to the electrical
system.
EXIT TO
SECTION - ABNORMAL OPERATION MAIN MENU
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We will begin this section with

a simple, straight forward
malfunction.
A single chime and MASTER

CAUT light alert you to the
fact that IDG 1 is experiencing
low oil pressure.
We have cancelled the

MASTER CAUT light for you.
The FAULT light in the IDG 1
pb illuminates.
The ELEC page is displayed

and indicates IDG 1 LO PR.
There is also an ECAM

message on the E/WD with
only one action step.
Advance to select the IDG 1

pb OFF.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The guard has been raised

and the IDG 1 pb pushed.
The IDG FAULT light

extinguishes, the blue action
step is removed from the
E/WD, and IDG 1 is now FAULT
shown as DISC on the ELEC

page. The GEN 1 FAULT light
is now illuminated.
Also notice that GEN 1 is now

off-line and GEN 2 has picked
up the load through the bus
ties.
You might consider starting

the APU.
For now, just advance to push

either CLR key on the ECAM
control panel and display the
STATUS page.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
You are reminded about the

APU, GEN 1, and galley
power.
MAIN GALLEY means that

you have shed the main galley
(ironic) and in-seat power. FAULT
But, the secondary galley

(coffee maker, etc...) are still
powered.
If ALL galley power is lost, just

GALLEY is displayed on the
STATUS page.
You would now clear the

STATUS page and consult the
FCOM.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Let's look at the loss of

AC BUS 1.
We have already cancelled
the MASTER CAUT light for
you.
The first obvious implication is

the loss of both captain’s
display units (DUs) and the
upper DU. The E/WD
automatically moves to the
lower DU.
The red message on the first

line informs you that the
autopilot is now off
(unavailable).
We have cleared malfunction

for you using a CLR key.
Notice that the loss of AC BUS
1 also causes the loss of the
DC ESS BUS and, even more
important, the loss of the AC
ESS BUS, which is listed first.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The system automatically

reconfigures to allow TR2,
through DC BUS 2 and DC BAT
BUS, to power DC BUS 1.
A similar reconfiguration will

occur if TR 1 itself fails. And it
would also occur in reverse if
TR2 should fail.
Basically, the operating TR

automatically replaces the failed
FAILED
one and supplies power to the
BUS
appropriate buses.
Now let’s get back to the ECAM

checklist and see how we can
restore more buses.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Remember that the AC ESS

BUS is unpowered simply
because AC BUS 1 has failed.
The AC BUS 1 failure is
simply the root cause of our
problem.
The first action step directs

the pilots to select the AC
ESS FEED pb on the ELEC
panel to ALTN (alternate).
Notice the FAULT light in that
pb is illuminated.
Advance to push the AC ESS

FEED pb.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The AC ESS FEED pb allows

the pilot to activate an
alternate power source for the
AC ESS BUS. This alternate
power source is AC BUS 2.
The AC ESS BUS then

powers the DC ESS BUS
through the ESS TR.
Notice that the messages

relating to the essential buses
have been removed. These
buses are now powered.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
This relationship of primary

and secondary power sources
for the AC ESS BUS is
displayed on the ELEC panel
with green lines.
Notice that the two lines have

a different thickness to reflect
their priority.
Also remember that the AC

ESS FEED pb must be used
to transfer power to the AC
ESS BUS. It will not occur
automatically.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
All of the DUs have now been

restored.
At this point you would

normally clear the message
and view the systems pages
effected by this abnormal.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Eventually, you would look at

the STATUS page.
Notice the extensive list of

inoperative systems on the
right side of the STATUS page.
AC BUS 1 is an important bus

and its loss impacts many
aircraft components.
The good news is that by

restoring the AC and DC ESS
buses you have restored many
systems.
If a bus fails, the STATUS

page (and aircraft manuals)
provide a comprehensive list of
inoperative items.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Let's move on to another topic
Here is a quick look at what

GREEN - MONITORED
happens if one of the green,
monitored circuit breakers
should trip.
A message indicating the

general location of the tripped
C/B is displayed on the E/WD.
Additional messages might be

displayed depending on the
impact the tripped C/B may
have on certain systems.
Black circuit breakers will not

trigger a “C/B TRIPPED”
message. But, they might
trigger a message associated
with the failure of a system.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Next we will discuss the

ELECTRICAL EMERGENCY
CONFIGURATION. ELEC EMER CONFIG
“Discuss” is the right word to
use here.
- LOSS of ALL generators (Engines and APU)
The nature of this abnormal
and its implications are so
complex that it is best
- Avionics smoke configuration
experienced with an
instructor.
We will cover significant

elements to help prepare you
for that training.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Assume your really bad day

has already started half way
through your flight.
GEN 1 has failed and you had

to shut it down. You have
tried unsuccessfully to start
the APU to bring the APU
GEN on-line.
GEN 2 is more than capable

of handling the electric load
on its own.
Unfortunately it is just not your

day and ……..
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
For some unrelated reason,

GEN 2 has just failed.
We have cancelled the

continuous repetitive chime
and flashing red MASTER
WARN lights for you.
The most obvious result of

this is that both of the FO’s
EFIS display units (DUs), the
lower ECAM DU, and the
captain’s inner DU are all lost.
Remaining is the captain’s

PFD and the E/WD.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
On the EMER ELEC PWR

panel the red FAULT light is
illuminated.
This indicates that the RAT

driven emergency generator
(EMER GEN) is not yet on-
line.
It takes a few seconds

(approx. 8) for the RAT to
extend and come up to speed
and then for the EMER GEN
to come on-line.
During this short time the

aircraft is powered by the
batteries.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The RAT extends into the air

stream and comes up to
speed.
It powers a hydraulic pump in

the BLUE system which
powers a hydraulic motor that
in turn drives the EMER GEN.
The red FAULT light is now

extinguished and the EMER
GEN has come on-line.
Notice that the captain’s ND is

now available as the captain’s
inner DU has been restored.
HYD HYD
EMERG
EN MOTOR PUMP
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We will now take a closer look

at the message on the E/WD,
containing all the action steps
you will need to handle this
situation.
The first line reminds you that

the autopilot is now off
(unavailable).
Autothrust and the flight

directors will also be off
(unavailable.)
Common sense would dictate

that the captain will most likely
be the pilot flying and hand
flying the aircraft.
We will clear the AUTOFLT

ECAM message.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The primary failure “ELEC

EMER CONFIG” is now
displayed on the top line.
Notice the red LAND ASAP on
the right side.
We will need to divert to the

nearest suitable airport.
The first action line reminds

you that you must maintain a
minimum airspeed of 140 kts
to ensure the EMER GEN
provides uninterrupted power.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If the RAT had not extended

properly, or the EMER GEN
failed to come on-line, the
FAULT light remains
illuminated on the EMER
ELEC PWR panel.
An additional action step

would be displayed on the
E/WD directing you to push
the RAT & EMER GEN MAN
ON pb in an attempt to bring
the EMER GEN on-line.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The next ECAM step directs

the pilots to attempt to reset
each generator by selecting
each GEN pb OFF and then
back to on.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
We will assume that the

generator reset has been
unsuccessful.
The next action step directs

you to use the BUS TIE pb to
split the system and then
attempt to reset each
generator again.
This is done in the hope that

one generator, now isolated
from a possible short, might
be regained.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
A word of caution about the

BUS TIE pb. It should be
used only when directed by
the ECAM.
If selected OFF, the APU

GEN and EXT PWR are not
able to power system.
It also prevents the engine

driven generators from
powering the entire system
should the other engine driven
generator fail.
Assume these steps were

taken and again failed to bring
the generators back on-line.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The remaining steps provide

actions and information
related to the various other
aircraft systems impacted by
this abnormal.
Note on the right side that

ECAM messages relating to
navigation, flight controls, and
autoflight are currently buried
and waiting for you once you
clear the EMER CONFIG
checklist.
You also see that if time

permits the PRESS, HYD, and
FUEL pages should be
reviewed to assess the impact
on these systems. These are
secondary systems effected
by the primary failure.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When all the ECAM messages

are cleared you will see an
even longer list of systems
pages that should be
reviewed.
With only one ECAM screen

available these systems
pages will not appear
automatically with use of the
CLR pb as with other
abnormals.
To see a systems page it will

be necessary to push and
hold the appropriate key on
the ECAM control panel.
Even though the ELEC page

is not listed, we’ll take some
academic license and use that
procedure to look at how the
electrical system is configured
at this point.
Advance to push and hold the

ELEC key on the ECAM
control panel
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The emergency generator is

now powering the AC ESS
BUS directly.
Through the ESS TR, the

EMER GEN is also powering
the DC ESS BUS. All other
buses are unpowered.
If the EMER GEN is

operating, these essential
buses are always isolated
from the rest of the system.
Some people refer to this area

of the ELEC page as the “rat’s
nest.”
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this configuration you

should still have all the
components essential for a
safe recovery.
A partial list of items available

and how some systems are
effected includes:
• VHF 1 and HF 1 are
available.
• The flight controls are in
alternate law.
• Normal gear extension is
available.
• Alternate braking is active.
• Normal engine operation
with fire protection and
continuous engine anti-ice.
• FMGC 1 is available.
• The ability to fly an ILS,
VOR, or NDB approach is
retained.
A chart listing the systems

powered in the EMER ELEC
CONFIG is located in your
aircraft manuals. We will look
at an example of this shortly.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Below 125 kts (e.g., during the

flare and/or landing) the
emergency generator will no
longer be available.
To state the obvious, there will

not be sufficient airflow for the
RAT below 125 kts.
You will be on battery power

and the captain’s ND will no
longer be powered.
However, other items (such as

the PFD and E/WD) will
remain powered until speed is
less than 50 kts.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
At 50 knots, the AC ESS BUS

will no longer be powered and
all display units go blank.
You will still have braking,

engine control, and the ability
to communicate on VHF 1.
Nosewheel steering will not be
available.
You will have an opportunity

to experience the ELEC
EMER CONFIG later in your
training.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
A list of Items available in the

emergency electrical
configuration and battery
power is in your aircraft
manuals.
You will also notice a

difference between battery
power in IN FLIGHT vs. ON
THE GROUND.
There are also notes at the

bottom of the page. The notes
provide additional information
regarding what is powered in
different situations.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Additional systems are listed

alphabetically on each page of
the table.
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DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Here are some more systems.
EXIT TO
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
And some more.
It is not necessary to
memorize all of the items on
these tables.
But, it is good to have a basic

understanding of the effects of
the emergency electrical and
battery power configurations.
This completes the

ABNORMAL OPERATION
section.
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SECTION - DIFFERENCES MAIN MENU
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The ELEC page is nearly

identical on all aircraft.
There are only some minor

differences on CRT equipped
aircraft. This includes items
such as:
- A relocated GALLEY SHED CRT Style LCD Style

indication. ELEC Page ELEC Page
-Slightly different emergency
generator and ESS TR
depiction.
EXIT TO
SECTION - DIFFERENCES MAIN MENU
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
EXIT TO
SECTION - QUIZ MAIN MENU
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When you enter the cockpit, what

action is required prior to checking
the battery voltage?
You have to check that external

power is ON.
You have to ensure that at least one

battery is in AUTO.
You have to ensure that both

batteries are in AUTO.
You have to verify that both batteries

are OFF.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When you enter the cockpit, what

action is required prior to checking
the battery voltage?
You have to check that external

power is ON.
You have to ensure that at least one

battery is in AUTO.
You have to ensure that both

batteries are in AUTO.
You have to verify that both batteries

are OFF.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
According to these indications,

which statement is true (assuming
the batteries are off)?
Battery voltages are below the

minimum of 30 V.
Battery voltages are above 25.5 V and

pass the voltage test.
Battery voltages cannot be checked

with external power available.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
According to these indications,

which statement is true (assuming
the batteries are off)?
Battery voltages are below the

minimum of 30 V.
Battery voltages are above 25.5 V and

pass the voltage test.
Battery voltages cannot be checked

with external power available.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If the battery voltages are 25.5 or

below, how do you charge them?
Call a mechanic because the

batteries can only be charged by
maintenance.
Select external power ON

and select the BAT pbs to AUTO.

and switch the batteries off.
Start the APU and select the BAT pbs

to AUTO
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
If the battery voltages are 25.5 or

below, how do you charge them?
Call a mechanic because the

batteries can only be charged by
maintenance.

and select the BAT pbs to AUTO.

and switch the batteries off.
Start the APU and select the BAT pbs

to AUTO
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What is the meaning of the green AVAIL

light?
External power is plugged in, you

can push the EXT PWR pb to
allow it to power the electrical system.
External power is available to the

batteries only.
The external power panel door has

been opened.
External power is supplying the

aircraft electrical systems.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What is the meaning of the green AVAIL

light?
External power is plugged in, you

can push the EXT PWR pb to
allow it to power the electrical system.
External power is available to the

batteries only.
The external power panel door has

been opened.

aircraft electrical systems.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What does the blue EXT PWR ON

light mean in this scenario?
Based on this panel, we cannot

determine the source of power to the
aircraft.

aircraft’s electrical system.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What does the blue EXT PWR ON

light mean in this scenario?
Based on this panel, we cannot

determine the source of power to the
aircraft.

aircraft’s electrical system.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
After switching external power ON, you

get the following indications. What do
they mean?
Battery voltage is too low to allow

external power connection.
There is a fault as the external power

supply has priority over the generators.
You have to switch the generators on.
On ground these indications are normal

when the engines are not running.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
After switching external power ON, you

get the following indications. What do
they mean?
Battery voltage is too low to allow

external power connection.
There is a fault as the external power

supply has priority over the generators.
You have to switch the generators on.
On ground these indications are normal

when the engines are not running.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Both batteries are now charged by

the external power unit.
Approximately how long does the
charging process take?
10 minutes.
One hour.
20 minutes.
Several hours.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Both batteries are now charged by

the external power unit.
Approximately how long does the
charging process take?
10 minutes.
One hour.
20 minutes.
Several hours.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Having started the APU, how can

you get the APU generator to
power the electrical system?
The APU generator must be

switched on.
By pushing the EXT PWR pb thus

disconnecting the external power.
By pushing the BUS TIE pb.
You are unable to as the APU power

output is outside normal parameters.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Having started the APU, how can

you get the APU generator to
power the electrical system?
The APU generator must be

switched on.
By pushing the EXT PWR pb thus

disconnecting the external power.
By pushing the BUS TIE pb.
You are unable to as the APU power

output is outside normal parameters.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What is the priority order of electrical

power supply?
Engine generators, external power,

APU, RAT, batteries.
APU, engine generators,

external power, batteries, RAT.
External power, engines generators,

APU, batteries.
APU, external power, batteries, RAT

engines generators.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What is the priority order of electrical

power supply?
Engine generators, external power,

APU, RAT, batteries.
APU, engine generators,

external power, batteries, RAT.
External power, engines generators,

APU, batteries.
APU, external power, batteries, RAT

engines generators.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Selecting the APU GEN pb OFF in

this situation will...
Disconnect the APU generator.

External power will connect
automatically since it is available.
Have no effect.
Disconnect the APU generator. The

aircraft will be on battery power only.
Shut down the APU.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Selecting the APU GEN pb OFF in

this situation will...
Disconnect the APU generator.

External power will connect
automatically since it is available.
Have no effect.
Disconnect the APU generator. The

aircraft will be on battery power only.
Shut down the APU.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Selecting the BUS TIE pb OFF in this

situation will...
Close the bus ties and allow the engine

generators swap sides.
Open the bus ties. They are currently

closed.
Hold the bus ties open. They are

already open in this situation.
Disconnect the engine generators.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Selecting the BUS TIE pb OFF in this

situation will...
Close the bus ties and allow the engine

generators swap sides.
Open the bus ties. They are currently

closed.
Hold the bus ties open. They are

already open in this situation.
Disconnect the engine generators.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Why is the GALLEY SHED message

displayed on the ELEC page after
disconnecting the IDG?
It is a reminder to push the GALLEY pb

to manually shed the main galley.
It is a reminder to get the flight attendants

to switch off galley equipment to decrease
the load on the remaining generator.
It is a reminder that the main galley has

been shed automatically following the
loss of one generator.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Why is the GALLEY SHED message

displayed on the ELEC page after
disconnecting the IDG?
It is a reminder to push the GALLEY pb

to manually shed the main galley.
It is a reminder to get the flight attendants

to switch off galley equipment to decrease
the load on the remaining generator.
It is a reminder that the main galley has

been shed automatically following the
loss of one generator.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The ECAM is directing you to select IDG 2

OFF. What is the important thing to
remember in order to avoid damaging the
disconnect mechanism?
To push the IDG 2 pb until the GEN

FAULT light comes on and then for at
least 3 more seconds.
To push the IDG 2 pb for a maximum

of 10 seconds.
To push the IDG 2 pb for at least 10

seconds to ensure the disconnection.
Do not push the IDG 2 pb for more than

approximately 3 seconds.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
The ECAM is directing you to select IDG 2

OFF. What is the important thing to
remember in order to avoid damaging the
disconnect mechanism?
To push the IDG 2 pb until the GEN

FAULT light comes on and then for at
least 3 more seconds.
To push the IDG 2 pb for a maximum

of 10 seconds.
To push the IDG 2 pb for at least 10

seconds to ensure the disconnection.
Do not push the IDG 2 pb for more than

approximately 3 seconds.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
This fault has just occurred. Notice that

the red FAULT light in the RAT & EMER
GEN MAN ON pb is illuminated. How do
you interpret this indication?
The EMER GEN is not yet supplying the

system.
The EMER GEN has failed. You will have

to lower the landing gear to reactivate it.
The RAT has failed. You will have to

select the batteries to OFF.
The FAULT light is always on when you

are in ELEC EMER CONFIG.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
This fault has just occurred. Notice that

the red FAULT light in the RAT & EMER
GEN MAN ON pb is illuminated. How do
you interpret this indication?
The EMER GEN is not yet supplying the

system.
The EMER GEN has failed. You will have

to lower the landing gear to reactivate it.
The RAT has failed. You will have to

select the batteries to OFF.
The FAULT light is always on when you

are in ELEC EMER CONFIG.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
Click on the ELEC page that

correctly represent the emergency
electrical configuration.
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ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ

correctly represent the emergency
electrical configuration.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ

correctly represent the battery
power only.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ

correctly represent the battery
power only.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What source of power is supplying

the aircraft’s electrical system
The engine generators
External power
The APU
The aircrafts electrical system is

unpowered
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
What source of power is supplying

the aircraft’s electrical system
The engine generators
External power
The APU
The aircrafts electrical system is

unpowered
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this scenario, will the external power

automatically power the electrical
system if the APU shuts down.
Yes
No
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
In this scenario, will the external power

automatically power the electrical
system if the APU shuts down.
Yes
No
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When transferring from EXT PWR to

APU power, which APU panel do you
want to see prior to deselecting the EXT
PWR pb.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
When transferring from EXT PWR to

APU power, which APU panel do you
want to see prior to deselecting the EXT
PWR pb.
EXIT TO
ELECTRICAL OVERVIEW
DIFFERENCES QUIZ
You have completed the

Electrical lesson.
Click here to
exit to the main menu.
EXIT TO

Understanding the Electrical System on the Airbus A320

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CONTROLS & NORMAL ABNORMAL

ELECTRICAL 1 of 140 OVERVIEW

Welcome to this presentation

An efficient electrical system is

Let's start by looking at the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

Two engine driven generators HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

The electrical network can HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

This generator does not

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

Any one of these generators, HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

On the ground, main galley ESS

On the ground, the entire HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

AC power sources initially HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

This allows GEN 1 to power HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

This includes items such as: DC BUS 1 DC BUS 2

If only GEN 1 is operating, the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

GEN 2 normally powers items HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

This includes items such as:

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

If the AC ESS FEED pb is HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

If only GEN 2 is operating, the HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

AC ESS FEED AC ESS FEED

When the APU generator (or HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

An emergency generator HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

The ship’s batteries (BAT 1 HOT BUS 1 HOT BUS 2

A commonly used memory aid

xternal Power ( ONLY if selected ON )

am air turbine ( emergency generator )

The three types of circuit

The green circuit breakers are

Black circuit breakers are not STAT

This completes the

We now move on to the

The electrical system can be

The primary AC power

The engine driven generators,

When a generator is selected

The engine generators provide:

If any of these parameters is

The load indication is

The voltage and frequency

These green lines indicate

In this example, GEN 2 is

Notice the green line

The IDGs are displayed below

Each IDG uses an

The IDG indications include

The IDG’s oil temperature

The IDG’s oil temperature is

If the respective engine is

This is also accompanied by

If the IDG has been

The engine driven generator

The APU GEN load, volts, and

In this example, the APU is

The engine driven generators

Just like the engine driven