W23-X1A1G-20 – Tyco Electronics OEM 20 Amp Push-Pull Circuit Breaker
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Tyco Electronics W23-X1A1G-20 is a high-performance, single-pole thermal circuit breaker designed for the rigorous demands of aerospace, defense, and general aviation electrical systems. This 20-amp breaker utilizes a push-pull actuator for manual trip/reset operations, providing both circuit protection and switching functionality in a single, compact component. Its robust thermal trip mechanism is engineered to reliably protect wiring and equipment from overcurrent and short-circuit conditions. As a leading product from TE Connectivity / Tyco, the W23 series is a global standard for reliable circuit protection in high-performance applications.
Key Features
- Push-Pull Actuation: Features a distinct push-pull main actuator. The "pull" action manually opens the circuit (acting as a switch), while the "push" action resets the breaker after an overcurrent trip. This design prevents accidental or inadvertent resetting of a faulted circuit.
- Thermal Trip Mechanism: Utilizes a proven thermal bimetallic element that accurately senses overcurrent conditions. This design provides a time-delayed trip on minor overloads, preventing nuisance tripping, while reacting quickly to high-level short circuits.
- Trip-Free Design: The breaker is "trip-free," meaning the internal contacts cannot be held closed against an overcurrent condition. Even if the actuator is manually held in the "ON" position, the breaker will remain tripped until the fault is cleared, ensuring maximum safety.
- High Interrupt Capacity: Engineered to safely interrupt high fault currents without sustaining damage, a critical requirement for robust aircraft electrical systems.
- Industry Standard Form Factor: Designed for standard panel mounting with a threaded bushing, making it a drop-in replacement for numerous other brands and older circuit breaker models.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: W23-X1A1G-20
- Manufacturer: TE Connectivity / Tyco Electronics
- Component Type: Thermal Circuit Breaker
- Actuator Style: Push-Pull
- Poles: 1
- Current Rating: 20 Amps
- Voltage Rating: 250 VAC / 50 VDC
- Interrupt Capacity: 1000 Amps
- Mounting Style: Threaded Bushing (3/8-32 thread)
- Termination Style: Screw Terminals
- Certifications: UL Recognized, CSA Certified
Aircraft Compatibility
The W23-X1A1G-20 is a universal electrical component, not specific to a single aircraft model. It is used extensively across all categories of aviation, from experimental and light-sport to certified singles, twins, and business aircraft.
- Common Applications:
- Avionics Busses: Protecting primary avionics and instrument circuits.
- High-Load Systems: Used for circuits powering motors, flaps, landing gear, lights, and heaters.
- Utility Circuits: Protecting power outlets and other utility circuits within the aircraft.
- Functionality: Serves as a direct replacement for breakers of the same rating from Klixon, Potter & Brumfield, and other major manufacturers.
Applications
The W23-X1A1G-20 is the professional choice for reliable circuit protection and control:
- Circuit Protection: Its primary function is to automatically disconnect a circuit from its power source when it experiences a sustained overload or a short circuit, preventing wire overheating and fire.
- System Switching: The push-pull actuator allows pilots to use the breaker as a manual ON/OFF switch for the protected circuit, useful for maintenance and specific operational procedures.
- Fault Indication: When the breaker trips, the white actuator button extends from the body, providing a clear visual and tactile indication that a fault has occurred on that circuit.
Why Choose W23-X1A1G-20?
The safety and reliability of an aircraft's electrical system depend entirely on the quality of its circuit protection. The Tyco W23-X1A1G-20 is a globally recognized, certified component with a long history of proven performance in the most demanding environments. Its trip-free design is a critical safety feature that prevents catastrophic failures. By choosing a genuine Tyco breaker, you are ensuring that your electrical circuits are protected by a component with a known trip curve, a high interrupt rating, and the robust construction required for aviation use.
Order Your W23-X1A1G-20 Circuit Breakers Now
Protect your aircraft's valuable electrical and avionics systems with certified, high-performance hardware. Visit Airparts.aero to order your Tyco W23-X1A1G-20 circuit breakers today.
The W23-X1A1G-20 thermal circuit breaker operates on the principle of differential expansion. Current flows through a bimetallic strip composed of two metals with different thermal expansion coefficients bonded together. As current increases, the strip heats up (P=I2R). An overcurrent condition causes the strip to heat significantly, forcing it to bend due to the differential expansion of the two metals. This bending action unlatches a spring-loaded mechanism, causing the contacts to snap open and interrupt the flow of current. This thermal principle provides an inverse time characteristic: a slight overload will cause a slow heating and a delayed trip, whereas a major short circuit will cause rapid heating and a near-instantaneous trip. This prevents unnecessary tripping on temporary inrush currents while providing robust protection against dangerous faults.
Note: Installation of electrical components must be performed by a qualified A&P mechanic or avionics technician. Always ensure the breaker's amperage rating is correct for the circuit's wire gauge and the power requirements of the connected equipment, as specified by the aircraft manufacturer.
