Definition
An electrical distribution arrangement in which two or more generators feed a single common bus, so that all generators share the connected loads simultaneously. If one generator fails, the remaining generators continue to supply the entire bus without interruption.
Plain English
A wiring setup where several generators all feed the same electrical line at the same time, sharing the work. If one quits, the others keep the power on.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system descriptions, especially on airplanes with more than one generator or alternator.
Derivation
Parallel here keeps its electrical meaning: components connected side-by-side across the same two points so they share the load. Bus comes from busbar, a heavy conductor that distributes electrical power to multiple circuits, much like a city bus carries many passengers along one route.
Why Pilots Care
It provides power redundancy so a single generator failure does not interrupt essential electrical services.
Analogy
Think of two pumps feeding the same water line. If both are working, they help supply the line together; if one stops, the other may still keep water flowing.
Intuition Check
Parallel does not mean two completely separate electrical systems sitting side by side. Here it means multiple power sources are tied into the same electrical distribution path.
Example Sentence 1
Because the aircraft uses a parallel bus system, the loss of the left generator did not drop any electrical equipment offline.
Example Sentence 2
If one generator drops offline, the remaining unit continues to power the bus through the parallel connection.