EMB-145/EMB-135 Chapter 3: Electrical

SSG System

Chapter 3: Electrical

General
The EMB-145 and EMB-135 utilize a 28 volt DC electrical system. The electrical system
 Four engine driven 28 volt/400 amp generators
includes:
 One 28 volt/400 amp APU starter-generator
 Two 24 volt/44 amp-hour NiCad batteries
 One 24 volt/5 amp-hour lead acid backup battery
 One external power source receptacle
 One 250 volt-ampere/400 Hz inverter for 115 volt AC power

The Electrical Distribution Logic (EDL) computer and the Generator Control Units (GCUs) automatically control
power contactors, provide fault protection, and automatically reduce the electrical load when required.

Components
System Control
Electrical Distribution Logic (EDL)
The EDL is a two-channel computer located under the flight deck floor that
automatically controls the electrical system by opening and closing contactors.
The EDL divides the electrical system into two channels. Channel 1 of the EDL (EDL
1) is composed of DC bus 1, shed bus 1, essential DC bus 1, and hot bus 1. Channel
2 of the EDL (EDL 2) is composed of DC bus 2, shed bus 2, essential DC bus 2, and
hot bus 2. Under normal conditions, both channels are isolated from each other to
divide the electrical system into two independent networks. The EDL protects
EDL Rules
Condition Result

4 or 5 Two isolated networks with all buses

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generators on powered. System

Both networks connected by the bus

3 generators on tie contactors with all buses
powered.

Both networks connected by the bus

1 or 2
tie contactors with the shed buses
generators on
unpowered.

The batteries are powering only the

All generators
central, essential, avionics essential,
failed
and hot buses.

NOTE: The EDL is powered by the backup

Generator Control Units (GCUs)

The GCUs protect the generators and the electrical system by monitoring generator
output to determine when to connect or disconnect the generators from the

NOTE: The GCUs are powered by the

The control and

distribution
boxes are the

Power Sources
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad) Batteries Thermal Runaway
NiCad batteries are able
The NiCad batteries are rated at 24 volts/44 amp-hour. discharge electricity at a
They should provide 40 minutes of power for essential high rate and accept
components incase all generators fail (45 minutes if not charge at an equally high
rate. This is due to the
operating in icing conditions and the pitot/static system 3
low internal resistance
heat is off). However, if the batteries are used to power the of NiCad batteries. The
entire electrical system, they will only last for 10 to 20 voltage and resistance of
minutes. The main batteries are located in the left side of NiCad batteries varies
inversely to temperature
the nose. NiCad batteries generate lots of heat and are
so as temperature
susceptible to damage if they get too hot so ram air vents increases, voltage and
are used to for cooling. If internal battery temperature resistance decrease.
rises above 70°C, the BATT 1(2) OVTEMP warning message is If the battery
displayed on the EICAS. experiences a large load,
such as starting an APU,
In normal operation, battery 1 is connected in parallel to
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generators 1 and 3 (engine 1) and battery 2 is connected in a generator, the cells in
the center of the battery
parallel to generators 2 and 4 (engine 2). The batteries are
may get significantly
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NOTE: The main batteries can provide 40 minutes of

essential power even after three airborne APU start
attempts. This is not valid if the batteries were used on
the ground for an APU start or as the sole source of
electrical power during an engine start. If the batteries
were used as the sole source of power on the ground or
for an APU start, they must be charged for 30 minutes

Lead-Acid Backup Battery

The lead-acid backup battery is rated at 24 volts/5 amp-hour. It provides power to the
GCUs, EDL, and ISIS (145XRs only). The backup battery always powers the backup hot bus, which is
connected to the electrical system by a diode that only allows power to flow towards the backup hot bus
and backup battery to ensure the backup battery is always charged.
NOTE: Since the ISIS on the EMB-145XR is powered by the
backup hot bus, the backup battery can be tested by
deselecting the backup battery. With the backup battery
contactor open, only the backup battery is powering the
Engine Driven Generators
Each engine accessory gearbox drives two independent 28 volt/400 amp
generators. When the engines stabilizes at or above 56.4% N 2, the GCUs connect
the generators to the electrical system. If a failure occurs causing a generator line
contactor to open, it can only be reset once. Whenever current rises above 400
amps, the GEN 1(2, 3, 4) OVLD caution message is displayed on the EICAS and manual
APU Starter-Generator
One 28 volt/400 amp APU starter-generator provides electric power for both ground
and flight operations. Although the APU starter-generator is rated at 400 amps,
above FL300 the maximum APU generator output is 300 amps due to the thinner air
at higher altitudes, which does not provide sufficient cooling for the generator. The
APU starter-generator is controlled and protected by a GCU. If a failure of the APU
generator occurs, it can be reset once. The APU can be started with ground power,
battery 2, or battery 2 assisted by engine driven generators. The APU can be
operated all the way up to the service ceiling of FL370, but the maximum altitude
the APU can be started is FL300. During the APU start, the APU starting contactor
closes allowing the starter-generator to operate as a starter powered by the central
DC bus. If the APU starting contactor fails to open after the APU starts, the APU CNTOR
CLSD caution message is displayed on the EICAS. After the APU RPM is above 95%
for seven seconds, the APU starter-generator is available to provide DC power.
If battery voltage is low, the APU generator will experience a large load when it is
connected as it recharges the batteries. If the current rises above 400 amps, the
APU GEN OVLD caution message will be displayed on the EICAS. If the APU voltage is
between 400 and 500 amps, turn the shed bus selector to OFF to reduce the
AC Inverter
One 250 volt-amp/400 Hz single-phase static inverter converts 28 volt DC power
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from DC bus 1 into 115 volt AC power. AC power is used for the TCAS, EGPWS, and
windshear detection and escape guidance systems.
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Electrical Buses
DC Buses
There are two main DC buses. DC bus 1 is powered by battery 1 and the generators
from engine 1 (generators 1 and 3). DC bus 2 is powered by battery 2 via the central
bus and the generators from engine 2 (generators 2 and 4). From the DC buses,
power is distributed to the essential buses, shed buses, avionics buses, and the AC
Central Bus
The central bus is used to distribute power from the APU, GPU, and battery 2 to the
rest of the electrical system. The central bus also allows both networks of the
electrical system to be connected incase of generator failure.

Hot Buses
There are three hot buses each connected to one of the aircraft batteries. They are
directly connected to their associated battery and therefore are always powered.

Backup Buses
Including the backup hot bus, there are four backup buses powered by hot bus 1.
The backup battery contactor connects hot bus 1 to the backup essential bus.
Power is then distributed to two backup buses. The backup essential bus is also
connected to the backup hot bus via a diode that only allows power to flow towards

NOTE: The ISIS on EMB-145XR is powered by the backup hot bus. On the EMB-
135LR, EMB-145EP, and EMB-145LR, the ISIS is powered by essential DC bus 2.
So when the batteries are turned off while on GPU power, the ISIS on the EMB-

Essential DC Buses
There two essential buses that receive power from their associated DC bus under
normal operations. When operating in essential power, hot bus 1 and hot bus 2
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power the essential DC buses. The essential DC buses power the essential avionics
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Shed Buses
There are two shed buses each powered by their respective DC bus. Items on the
shed buses include the nose landing light, taxi lights, recirculation fans, galley
power, rechargeable flashlights, and windshield 2 heat. The EDL will only power the
shed buses when operating on GPU power or when at least three generators are
available. The shed buses can be powered with only one generator while on the

Avionics Buses
There are six avionics buses. Each DC bus powers two avionics buses and each
essential bus powers one avionics essential bus.

Ground Service Bus

The ground service bus provides an alternate source of power for the cabin,
lavatory, galley, courtesy, flight deck dome, and baggage/service compartment
lights so the aircraft can be serviced. The ground service bus is powered when a
GPU is providing power, the batteries are off, and the GPU is not selected. This
allows the aircraft to be serviced even when the flight crew is not available to turn
on the entire electrical system.

Normal Operation
Battery Power
When batteries 1 and 2 are selected to AUTO, battery contactors 1 and 2 close to
power the DC buses, central bus, essential buses, backup buses, AC inverter, and
avionics buses. Both bus tie contactors close to connect both sides of the electrical

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GPU Power
When a GPU is connected to an unpowered aircraft, the ground service bus is automatically powered to
provide interior lighting for aircraft servicing. When the aircraft is powered by battery, GPU, or APU power,
the ground service bus automatically disconnects since other buses are the primary power source for the
ground service bus components.

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When the batteries are in the AUTO position and a GPU is connected providing any amount of power, the
”GPU AVAIL” inscription is illuminated on the GPU button. Before selecting the GPU, check the MFD
electrical page to ensure the GPU output is between 26 volts and 29 volts. When the GPU button is pressed
in, the ground power contactor closes to allow the GPU to connect to the electrical system. The EDL does
not allow the GPU to power the electrical system in parallel with any other power source, so the battery 1
and 2 contactors open. As a result, the batteries cannot be charged by a GPU. When GPU power is being
utilized, the EDL connects the shed buses to the electrical system.

NOTE: Since the battery contactors will close if the GPU fails, the batteries
should be turned off anytime the flight deck is not occupied to prevent the

Starting the APU

When the APU is started, the battery 1 contactor opens to protect voltage sensitive equipment located on
the backup buses. If GPU power is selected, the battery 2 contactor remains open during the start so only
the GPU is used to start the APU. If GPU power is not selected, battery 2 is used to start the APU.

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APU Generator Power

After the APU RPM is above 95% for seven seconds, the APU generator is available. As long as the APU
generator button is selected, the APU line contactor closes as soon as the GPU button is deselected.

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When only one generator is used to power the electrical system, the EDL disconnects the shed buses. To
ensure power to the shed buses is not interrupted during transition from GPU power to APU power, the
shed bus selector should be moved to the OVRD position to override the EDL and allow the single APU
generator to power the shed buses.

NOTE: The OVRD position on the shed bust selector only allows the
shed bus contactors to close when there is only one generator
available when the aircraft is on the ground.

Engine 2 and APU Generators On

After engine 2 stabilizes at or above 56.4% N2, the generator line contactors close to
provide power to the entire electrical system in parallel with the APU. Since there is
more than one generator powering the system now, the EDL connects the shed buses
so the shed bus selector can be moved back to the AUTO position.

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Engine 1, Engine 2, and APU Generators On

When all engine driven generators are powering the electrical system, the EDL opens
bus tie contactor 1 to split the electrical system into two independent networks.

Abnormal Operations
One Engine Driven Generator Failed with the APU On
When a generator fails or a GCU detects an overvoltage, the generator line contactor
opens to protect the rest of the electrical system from the faulty generator. The EDL
automatically closes the APU line contactor and the bus tie contactor on the side that
lost a generator and opens the other bus tie contactor so the APU generator can assist
the remaining generator. All buses remain powered and the electrical system is still

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Two Engine Driven Generators Failed with the APU On

When an engine is shut down or two generators fail, the generator line contactors on
the failed generators open to protect the rest of the electrical system from the faulty
generators. The EDL automatically closes the APU line contactor and both bus tie
contactors so the APU generator can assist the two remaining engine driven

One Engine Driven Generator Failed with the APU Off

When a generator fails or a GCU detects an overvoltage, the generator line contactor
opens to protect the rest of the electrical system from the faulty generator. The EDL
automatically closes both bus tie contactors so the other two engine driven generators
can assist in powering the other electrical network. All buses remain powered but the

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Two Engine Driven Generators Failed with the APU Off

When an engine is shut down or two generators fail, the generator line contactors on
the failed generators open to protect the rest of the electrical system from the faulty
generators. The EDL automatically closes both bus tie contactors so the two
remaining engine driven generators can power both networks. Since only two
generators are available for the entire electrical system, the EDL opens the shed bus

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Three Engine Driven Generators Failed with the APU Off
When three generators fail, the generator line contactors on the failed generators open
to protect the rest of the electrical system from the faulty generators. The EDL
automatically closes both bus tie contactors so the remaining engine driven generator
can power both networks. Since only one generator is available for the entire
electrical system, the EDL opens the shed bus contactors to reduce the electrical

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All Engine Driven Generators Failed with the APU Off (Essential Power)
When all engine driven generators fail, the generator line contactors open to protect
the rest of the electrical system from the faulty generators. The EDL automatically
opens the battery 1 contactor to depower DC bus 1 to conserve battery power. The
EDL opens bus tie contactor 2 to depower DC bus 2 to conserve battery power. With
both DC buses unpowered, the essential buses lose their primary power sources. The
EDL moves the essential bus contactors so the essential DC buses can be powered by
the main batteries. The backup bus relays open to reduce the electrical load on
battery 1. The battery 2 contactor remains closed in order to provide a source of power
Electrical Essential Transfer Fail
for an APU start. The essential interconnection contactor closes so both main
In this situation,
batteries the the
can share EDLelectrical
failed to configure the electrical
load. Because systemnumber
only a minimum into essential power
of critical Elect
mode after the loss of all generators. The EICAS will display the ELEC ESS XFR FAIL warning In
message. This means one or both of the bus tie contactors remained closed powering DCthi
B
but
DC Bo
one or both of the DC buses. Since the batteries are powering additional buses, they With
That
will not last the 40 minutes normally available in essential power mode. By pressing The E
can
As as
the guarded essential power button on the electrical system panel, the electrical with
conn
batte
batte
bus.
bus.
conta
all th

NOTE: When operating in essential power, the EICAS, RMU1, RMU2, NAV1, COM1,
standby attitude indicator, standby airspeed indicator, standby altimeter, magnetic
compass, ISIS, pitot/static system 3 heat, engine inlet heat, normal gear extension,
A and B fuel pumps, fire bottles, and brakes are still available.
Pressurization, anti-ice systems (except pitot/static system 3 heat and engine inlet Instr
heat), C fuel pumps, DME, flaps, spoilers, thrust reversers, and nose wheel steering DC Es
B
NOTE: The ISIS on the EMB-145XR will last 240 minutes because the backup battery
A fus
powers it. The essential DC bus 2 powers the ISIS on the EMB-135LR, EMB-145EP,
tie co
and EMB-145LR so the ISIS on those aircraft will last only 40 minutes (45 minutes if
asso
not operating in icing conditions with pitot/static system 3 heat off).
so
DC th
B
NOTE: A solenoid powered by DC bus 2 keeps the nose gear door hydraulic lines batte
pressurized, so when DC bus 2 is depowered, the nose gear doors open. With
gene
bus a
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D
affec
inter
 EMB-145/EMB-135 Chapter 3: Electrical
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Controls and Indications
MFD Electrical Page
The MFD electrical page is used to monitor the electrical system. All system labels are
white. Voltage, amperage, temperature, and bus indications are green. When generator
values are amber, the associated generator is inadvertently off bus. When generator
voltage exceeds 400 amps, the amperage values change to amber. If a bus is de-
energized, the bus indication turns amber. The battery indications turn amber when they

Overhead Circuit Breaker Panel

Electrical System Panel Righ

1. Generator button – Connects (in and dark)
1
or disconnects (out and illuminated) the
generator to the respective bus.
2. GPU Button – Connects (in and
2 illuminated) or disconnects (out and dark)
the GPU. The “GPU AVAIL” inscription is
illuminated when a GPU is connected to the
3
GPU receptacle and supplying any amount of
power. When the GPU is selected, the “GPU
4 AVAIL” inscription extinguishes and the
striped bar illuminates.
5 3. APU generator button – Connects (in and
dark) or disconnects (out and illuminated)
10 6 the APU generator.
NOTE: If a circuit breaker is tripped before
4.the aircraft
Battery is powered
selector knob –up, contact
In the OFF
maintenance before resetting. If a circuit breaker trips
7 position, after the electrical system is
the associated battery contactor
is powered, do not reset it unless the itemopen.
is required for safety. If so, the circuit
In AUTO position, the EDL controls the
breaker can be reset only once (with the exception
associatedofbattery
fuel pumps – never reset)
contactor.
after a three-minute cool down period and after briefing the possible effects of the
reset. 5. Essential power button (guarded) – This is
Left Distribution Box
8 Circuit Breaker Panel a guarded button that forces the electrical
9
6. Shed bus selector knob – In the OFF position, the shed bus contactors open. In the
AUTO position, the EDL controls the shed bus contactors. In the OVRD position, the shed
Elec
bus contactors close if the aircraft is on the ground with at least one generator
operating. The
prote
7. Avionics master buttons – Connects (in and dark) or disconnects (out and illuminated)
with
the avionics buses.
8. Backup battery button – Connects (in and dark) or disconnects (out and illuminated)
backup battery and backup hot bus to hot bus 1.
9. AC power button – Connects (in and dark) or disconnects (out and illuminated) the
inverter to the electrical system.
10. Bus tie selector knob – in the OVRD position, bus tie contactors (BTC) are kept closed
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Limitations
Electrical System
 Minimum battery temperature for an APU start: -20°C
 Minimum battery voltage for an APU start: 19.0 volts
 Maximum altitude to start the APU: FL300
 Maximum operational altitude of the APU: FL370
 Maximum APU generator load above FL300: 300 amps
 If battery voltage is less than 24.0 volts but at least 19.0 volts, start the APU to
recharge the batteries.
o Do not start the APU if battery 2 temperature is below -20°C.
o Contact maintenance if battery voltage is below 19.0 volts.
 The ISIS on the EMB-135LR, EMB-145EP, and EMB-145LR can last up to 40 minutes when
operating in essential power mode. That can be extended to 45 minutes if not in icing
conditions and the pitot/static system 3 heat is off.
o Because the ISIS on the EMB-145XR is powered by the backup hot bus, it will last
for 240 minutes.

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