Definition
An electrical load that is switched on for short periods and then off again, rather than running continuously. Equipment rated for intermittent duty is designed to handle the heat and current draw only for a limited time before it must be allowed to cool.
Plain English
A piece of equipment that draws power only now and then — used briefly, switched off, then used again — rather than running the whole time the aircraft is operating.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system discussions, especially when figuring total power demand on the battery, alternator, or generator.
Derivation
Intermittent comes from the Latin 'intermittere,' meaning 'to leave off' or 'pause between.' The word describes a load that pauses — it comes and goes rather than staying constant.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether the electrical system and battery can safely handle peak demand without overload or excessive discharge.
Intuition Check
Do not read “load” here as cargo or weight in the airplane. In this context, a load is something that uses electrical power. “Intermittent” does not mean the equipment is failing; it means it is designed or used to operate only part of the time.
Example Sentence 1
The landing gear motor is an intermittent load — it draws heavy current for a few seconds during retraction, then nothing until the gear is lowered again.
Example Sentence 2
Unlike the continuous avionics load, the intermittent load of the gear pump only draws power during retraction.