Definition
A small, continuous current that flows through a bleeder resistor connected across the output of a power supply or voltage divider. It serves to discharge filter capacitors when the equipment is switched off and to stabilize the output voltage by maintaining a fixed minimum load.
Plain English
A small steady flow of electricity that runs through a resistor placed across a power supply. It keeps the voltage steady and drains stored charge from capacitors after the unit is turned off, so the circuit is safe to handle.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system and electronic equipment discussions, especially when checking power supplies, capacitors, or discharge safety during maintenance.
Derivation
The word 'bleeder' comes from the idea of slowly bleeding off, or draining away, stored electrical energy — the same way a valve bleeds pressure from a system. The resistor 'bleeds' charge out of the capacitors after power is removed.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents dangerous residual voltage on capacitors during shutdown or maintenance and improves the stability of avionics power.
Analogy
It is like a tiny drain hole in a container. The hole does not empty everything instantly, but it gives the stored contents a safe path out over time.
Intuition Check
Bleeder current is not a leak caused by damage. It is usually an intentional small electrical flow used to drain stored charge or keep a circuit stable.
Example Sentence 1
The technician waited a few seconds after switching off the radio's power supply, knowing the bleeder current would discharge the filter capacitors before he opened the unit.
Example Sentence 2
During preflight checks the technician verified that the bleeder resistor was still providing the designed bleeder current.