Which indicators alert the crew to a generator failure?

Which indicators alert the crew to a generator failure?

• A. GEN FAIL or GEN OFF message on the EICAS/ECAM, loss of voltage or frequency on the affected bus, and associated cautions
• B. Low battery voltage warning
• C. Cabin altitude warning
• D. Engine fire warning

Answer: (A)

When a generator stops supplying power, the electrical system provides clear, direct indications to the crew. The primary signs are a GEN FAIL or GEN OFF message shown on the aircraft’s EICAS/ECAM, which tells you that a generator has tripped or been turned off. Along with that, you’ll see loss of voltage and/or loss of frequency on the bus that the generator was feeding, showing that that particular source of power is no longer available. The accompanying cautions highlight which buses are affected and what the implications are for the electrical system, guiding the crew to manage power sources and loads. These indicators specifically point to generator status. A low battery voltage warning, cabin altitude warning, and engine fire warning do not directly indicate a generator failure: the battery warning relates to the DC power source, cabin altitude to pressurization, and engine fire to a separate propulsion issue, so they don’t tell you that a generator has failed.

When a generator stops supplying power, the electrical system provides clear, direct indications to the crew. The primary signs are a GEN FAIL or GEN OFF message shown on the aircraft’s EICAS/ECAM, which tells you that a generator has tripped or been turned off. Along with that, you’ll see loss of voltage and/or loss of frequency on the bus that the generator was feeding, showing that that particular source of power is no longer available. The accompanying cautions highlight which buses are affected and what the implications are for the electrical system, guiding the crew to manage power sources and loads.

These indicators specifically point to generator status. A low battery voltage warning, cabin altitude warning, and engine fire warning do not directly indicate a generator failure: the battery warning relates to the DC power source, cabin altitude to pressurization, and engine fire to a separate propulsion issue, so they don’t tell you that a generator has failed.