Non-aircraft Engine Electrical System Components

The Federal Supply Code (FSC) 2920 is described as Engine Electrical System Components, Nonaircraft. Within this category, a number of parts are classified which include generators, spark plugs, batteries, and many more engine components. As this Federal Supply Code excludes components that are in relation to Aircraft Generators (FSC 2925), most included items serve non-aircraft vehicles and applications. In this blog, we will provide an overview of FSC 2920, discussing some of the common included components.

The engine starter of a vehicle is a critical apparatus that allows for the engine to begin operation. The starter’s function is to rotate the internal combustion engine of a vehicle so that the engine may begin to function with its own power. As internal combustion engines rely on inertia to continue cycles and operation, they require external powering to start. To fulfill that role, the starter helps begin the feedback loop of the engine with power from the battery and then is no longer needed once the internal combustion engine becomes self-sustaining. Common engine starter types are electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic, though in some cases they may be a separate internal combustion engine themselves.

Once the engine is running, the electrical alternator is a device which charges the battery for operating the starter, as well as provides power for other electrical parts within the vehicle. Placed within aluminum housing, a stationary conductor is passed through a rotating magnetic field provided by the rotor. This causes the rotating rotor to generate electricity which is in the form alternating current. This alternating current is then converted into direct current by the rectified bridge, allowing for powering of the battery and other electronic parts.

The spark plug is a small component which is used to ignite fuel and air mixtures within the internal combustion engine to begin operation. Spark plugs are conductive devices that allow for an arc of electricity to be transferred between the gap of two disconnected leads, causing a spark that ignites the compressed fuel and air mixture that is present within the engine. This combustion is then harnessed by the engine, allowing it to produce power and operate the vehicle.

For the internal combustion engine, starter, and alternator to begin their individual functions and work together, they need initial powering within the system that is provided by the automotive battery itself. Automotive batteries are rechargeable batteries that are used to power the starter and engine so that the alternator can take over. While the alternator undertakes most of the electrical power needs of the vehicle once in operation, the battery may also provide powering in the case of increased demands of electric parts and components.

While components such as starters, alternators, spark plugs, and batteries are major items within the Federal Supply Code 2920 list, there are also many other components included. Some examples of these items include electrical circuits, battery switches, breaker assembly parts, plugs, covers, and other non-aircraft engine electrical system components. When it comes time to begin sourcing the engine components and electrical parts that you need for your next project or operation, ASAP 360 Unlimited has you covered with everything you are searching for. ASAP 360 Unlimited is owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we can help you find the aircraft, marine, hardware and IT parts that you are searching for, new or obsolete. As a premier supplier of parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries, we're always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7x365. ASAP 360 Unlimited is an FAA AC 00-56B accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified enterprise.

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