Definition
A coil wound in such a way that it does not produce a magnetic field when current flows through it. This is achieved by folding the wire back on itself before winding, so current flows through adjacent turns in opposite directions, cancelling the magnetic effect. The coil still has resistance but produces no inductance.
Plain English
A coil wound in a special way so that it acts like a plain resistor instead of a magnet. Current still flows through it, but no magnetic field builds up around it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system descriptions, instrument circuits, and maintenance references for resistors or other parts that must not add unwanted coil effects.
Derivation
From 'non-' (not) and 'inductive,' which refers to inductance — the property of a coil that creates a magnetic field and resists changes in current. A noninductive winding deliberately removes that property.
Why Pilots Care
Prevents inductive reactance from distorting measurements or introducing errors in AC circuits and instrument systems.
Grounding Statement
A noninductive winding lets the wire do its electrical job without adding a strong coil-like magnetic effect.
Intuition Check
Do not read “noninductive” as “not wound.” It is still a winding; it is just arranged so the winding’s magnetic effect mostly cancels out.
Example Sentence 1
The precision resistor used a noninductive winding so it would not affect the circuit's response to rapid current changes.
Example Sentence 2
During avionics calibration, noninductive windings ensured the equipment gave accurate voltage values without inductive distortion.