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AN2551 3-Pin Aircraft External Power Plug for Ground Power Units (GPUs)

Item Superseded
This item has been discontinued or is no longer available.

It has been replaced by AircraftPlugs 904-342 (Qty 1)

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The AN2551 3-Pin Aircraft External Plug connects the airframe of an aircraft to a ground power unit (GPU) to provide external power for 12V, 24V, or 28V DC applications.

This standard 3-pin female plug is constructed of strong, corrosion-proof polycarbonate material which resists higher temperatures, voltage, and amperage. The solid copper contact sleeves are silver-plated and ready for torch-soldering. A solenoid activation pin is included for power management. The entire assembly screws together in minutes.

Sometimes referred to as a NATO or Cessna-style plug, the aircraft plug mates with the standard AN2552-3A external power receptacle found on most general aviation aircraft.

Specifications

Alternate Models
904-342MFR Model Number - 3 Pin Cessna Aircraft External Power Plug
AN2551Alternate Part Number for Nato Plug
General Information
Part #RM-K-1013-01
ManufacturerCarolina GSE
Shipping Information
Product Weight1 lbs.
Product Dimensions8 x 5 x 1 in.
Schedule B8504900080
ECCNEAR99

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AIRCRAFT COMPATIBILITY

Compatible Aircraft*
*This list is for general reference only and may not be entirely accurate for all aircraft. Please confirm all equipment meets the requirements of your aircraft with the owners/maintenance manuals prior to purchasing or using with your aircraft.

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Question:
What is the largest wire size that will fit this plug's terminal connections?
Answer:

The wire reservoir in the contact has a 0.474" I.D., so 2/0 AWG stranded copper wire is the largest size that will fit.

Asked August 30, 2023
Question:
How are the wires secured to the contacts – through crimping or soldering?
Answer:

The wires are torch-soldered to the contacts. We recommend using a chef's torch for soldering the wires.

Asked August 30, 2023
Question:
Can I use this power plug to maintain the battery's charge while the airplane is grounded for an extended period?
Answer:

No, this is a plug only. You may be able to wire your aircraft – in conjunction with the plug – to do this, but this plug is commonly used to wire to an external power source (GPU) to jump-start an aircraft, or to an auxiliary power unit (APU) to power your instrument panel.

Asked August 30, 2023
Question:
Will this power plug fit a Beechcraft Bonanza?
Answer:

Most likely. While most Beechcraft airplanes are equipped with the 3-pin style receptacle, we ask that you check the receptacle on your aircraft prior to ordering to ensure that you get the correct plug style.

Asked August 30, 2023
Question:
What is the purpose of the third terminal?
Answer:

While the two larger pins carry 12 to 28V DC power, the smaller pin is limited to 100 W. This allows the device to be plugged in, the power connections made, and then the power to be turned on as the connector is inserted. It also allows the power to be disconnected prior to the larger power pins clearing the connector.

The shorter/smaller positive pin does a few different things:

  1. It removes ignition sources (such as sparks) when connected or disconnected from the receptacle.
  2. It ensures that a connection is made before the power is supplied.
  3. It increases the reliability of the connectors.
  4. Connectors are not powered at all times. (The solenoid pin can control the power management.)
  5. A power-limited switch, or split pen, can be installed.
  6. It creates a polarity protection.

The terminology is sometimes called "hot swap" because power is disconnected during the removal process No sparks fly and no connectors are damaged in the process.

Asked August 30, 2023