Definition
A central panel in an aircraft electrical system that receives power from the main bus and distributes it through circuit breakers or fuses to the various electrical loads and subsystems throughout the aircraft.
Plain English
A panel where electrical power comes in from the main supply and is split out, through protective devices, to the different systems that need it.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical system descriptions, maintenance manuals, and troubleshooting when one or more electrical items are not working.
Why Pilots Care
A malfunction here can cut power to multiple critical systems at once, forcing rapid troubleshooting to restore safe operation.
Analogy
Like the breaker panel in a house: power comes in from one main feed, then gets split out through individual breakers to the lights, outlets, and appliances.
Intuition Check
A power distribution board does not make electrical power. It receives power from another source and sends it where it is needed.
Example Sentence 1
Current from the main bus flows through the power distribution board, where each circuit is protected by its own breaker before reaching the equipment it powers.
Example Sentence 2
During the inspection, the mechanic examined the power distribution board for signs of overheating or loose terminals.