Definition
An electrical or electronic circuit whose components have been encased in a solid block of insulating compound, typically an epoxy or resin, to protect them from moisture, vibration, contamination, and mechanical damage. Once potted, the circuit cannot be repaired at the component level; it is replaced as a sealed unit.
Plain English
A circuit that has been sealed inside a block of hardened resin so it can't be damaged by moisture or shaking. If it fails, you swap out the whole sealed block rather than fixing the parts inside.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical equipment descriptions and maintenance information, especially for sealed electronic parts.
Derivation
From the everyday word 'pot' meaning to place something in a container and seal it (like potting a plant in soil). The components are literally placed in a container and the container is filled with a setting compound.
Why Pilots Care
Potted circuits are common in aircraft because they survive the vibration and humidity of flight environments, but they also mean a single failed component can require replacing an entire assembly rather than a cheap repair.
Analogy
Think of delicate wires and parts sealed inside hard clear glue. You can still use the part, but the inside is protected and not meant to be taken apart.
Intuition Check
“Potted” does not mean related to a plant pot here. It means the circuit has been sealed inside protective material.
Example Sentence 1
The faulty ignition module was a potted circuit, so the mechanic replaced the whole unit rather than trying to repair it.
Example Sentence 2
Mechanics prefer potted circuits in the engine compartment because they resist moisture and fuel vapors better than open boards.