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Modern aircraft electrical systems use a variety of ac and dc power voltages/currents. The most common voltage and frequency is 400 V ac @ 400 Hz, 115 V ac @ 400 Hz, and 28 V dc. In this article, we’ll primarily discuss 400-Hz ac and its effect on neighboring electronic systems.
Why Does Aviation Use 400-Hz Power?
When aviation began using electrical systems years ago, the industry chose dc power. When ac later became more prevalent in aircraft, the primary goal was reducing the size and weight of transformers, motors, and power supplies. Designers later opted to use a higher frequency, which would lead to lighter-weight components.