Troubleshooting "Dead" In-Seat Power Outlets (PED)

In-Seat Power (Portable Electronic Device or PED) systems provide 110V AC and USB charging to passenger seats. If an entire row or column of seats loses power, it is rarely a broken outlet—it is usually a triggered Seat Power Box (SPB) circuit or a software-level "Load Shed" event.

Pre-Flight Diagnostic Steps

1. Check the Master Cabin Switch: Ensure the "PED POWER" toggle is set to ON at the Flight Attendant Panel (FAP). If this is OFF, no power will flow to any seat in the cabin.

2. Identify the Failure Pattern:

   • Single Seat: Likely a damaged physical outlet (Check for debris or bent pins).

   • Triple/Row: A tripped Seat Power Box (SPB) under the middle seat.

   • Entire Zone: A tripped Area Power Control Unit (APCU) in the galley.

3. Reset the SPB: Locate the SPB unit under the seat assembly. Press and hold the recessed "RESET" button for 3 seconds using a non-conductive tool. The status LED should turn from Amber to Green.

System "Load Shedding" (Safety Feature) The IFE system automatically cuts power to seats if the aircraft's total power draw exceeds safety limits (e.g., during engine start or if a generator fails).

• Note: If the aircraft is currently on APU Power (Ground Power), the system may automatically disable 110V outlets to prioritize flight-critical systems.

When to Defer (MEL) If the SPB status LED remains Solid Red after a reset, the internal fuse has blown. Record the seat numbers in the maintenance log and defer the repair to the next overnight check according to your airline’s Minimum Equipment List (MEL).