Electrical Wiring Diagrams

Electrical wiring diagrams are included in most aircraft maintenance manuals. They will specify details such as the size (gauge) of the wires and the types of terminals used for each application. Wiring diagrams typically identify each component within a system by its part number (sometimes by its serial number) and will include any changes that were made during a production run of an aircraft.

There are several types of electrical wiring diagrams. Some diagrams show only one circuit while others show several circuits within a system. More detailed diagrams show the connection of wires at splices and junction boxes in addition to the arrangement of components throughout the aircraft.

On modern aircraft, wiring diagrams can vary from a single page diagram applicable to a light aircraft to those of a modern jet airliner. It might need to have many dozens of wiring diagrams to give each system and sub-system enough clarity to make them useful.

Because some aircraft have very complex electrical and electronic systems, a separate wiring manual is often produced. The wiring manual can include full wiring diagrams, component location diagrams, and schematic diagrams to provide a system overview to assist in trouble shooting.