Electrical Cables & Connectors

An electrical circuit has at least three elements:

1. Source of electrical power.
2. Load device to use the electrical energy.
3. Cables incorporating a "Conductor" to connect the source to the load.

Cables must provide a path for the flow of electrons from the source, through the load and back to the source with the minimum resistance. Additionally, two other important factors for a conductor are:

• Ability to carry a specific load.
• Reliability under operating conditions.

Two materials considered to be excellent electrical conductors are Copper and Aluminium, both are used extensively in aircraft installations.