In aircraft electrical systems, what is the recommendation regarding automatic reset circuit breakers?

In aircraft electrical systems, the recommendation regarding automatic reset circuit breakers is that they should not be used as circuit protective devices. This is because automatic reset circuit breakers can reset themselves after they trip, which could potentially allow a fault to continue drawing current after the breaker has tripped. In critical systems, this poses a risk as it may lead to overheating, electrical fires, or further damage to the electrical components.

Due to their self-resetting nature, these circuit breakers do not provide the immediate and guaranteed disconnection from the power source that is essential in maintaining safety in an aircraft's electrical system. Instead, traditional circuit breakers or fuses that require manual resetting or replacement are preferred, as they ensure that once a fault occurs, the circuit will remain open until the issue is resolved.

Understanding these nuances is important for maintaining the integrity and safety of aircraft electrical systems, which is why automatic reset circuit breakers are generally discouraged for use in critical applications.