Ps-855b — Maintenance Manual

Search on their site: Enter 855B in their support/documentation search.

The difference between a power supply that gets scrapped and one that runs for another decade is often a single page in a PS-855B maintenance manual. Whether you are a field service engineer, a hobbyist restoring industrial gear, or an in-house maintenance tech, the manual gives you the schematic truth—no guesswork, no myths.

By following the diagnostic flowcharts, respecting the safety rules, and adhering to the preventative maintenance schedule, you can keep your PS-855B units running reliably for years. Bookmark this guide, locate your official manual (or a trustworthy scan), and invest in a few basic diagnostic tools. Your equipment—and your budget—will thank you.


Call to Action: Do you have a unique PS-855B repair story or an addendum to the official manual? Share it in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, download our free “PS-855B Quick Reference Card” (test points, common voltages, and capacitor list) by subscribing to the newsletter.

The PS-855B (and its predecessor, the PS-850) is an Emergency Power Supply (EPS) system commonly used in aviation to provide backup power for critical flight instruments. Proper maintenance is vital for ensuring these units function during a power failure.

Below is a blog post template summarizing the key maintenance requirements found in the PS-850/PS-855 Maintenance Guide.

Keeping the Lights On: A Guide to PS-855B Emergency Power Supply Maintenance

In the cockpit, "emergency" is a word you never want to hear, but it's the one you must always be prepared for. For many aircraft, the L-3 Communications (now ACSS/L3Harris) PS-855B is the silent guardian that keeps your attitude indicators and emergency lighting alive when everything else goes dark.

However, an emergency power supply is only as good as its last maintenance check. Here is what you need to know about the PS-855B maintenance manual and keeping your unit flight-ready. 1. The Core of the System: Battery Health ps-855b maintenance manual

The PS-855B relies on internal sealed lead-acid or nickel-cadmium batteries. Unlike your car battery, these require specific periodic attention to prevent "memory" issues or capacity loss.

Periodic Checks: According to the Maintenance Guide, batteries should undergo a physical condition and functional check every 3 to 6 months.

Outgassing & Storage: If the unit is stored for long periods, it must be recharged periodically to prevent permanent cell damage. 2. Essential Maintenance Procedures

The PS-850/PS-855 Installation and Operation Manual outlines several critical service steps:

Preflight Check: A simple cockpit test to ensure the "In-Use" or "Battery" lights trigger correctly.

Capacity Test: This is the most crucial maintenance step. It involves a timed discharge to ensure the battery can sustain the rated load for the required duration (usually 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the aircraft's certification).

Visual Inspection: Checking for cracked housings, leaking electrolyte, or corroded connector pins. 3. Qualified Service Only

It is important to note that while pilots perform the preflight, actual repairs and internal maintenance must be done by qualified personnel in accordance with FAA or local regulatory standards. The PS-855 Component Manual provides the specific electrical tolerances and assembly diagrams needed for bench testing. Why It Matters Search on their site: Enter 855B in their

A neglected PS-855B might show a "green" light during a quick preflight but fail five minutes into a real emergency. Regular adherence to the service literature ensures that when the master switch fails, your emergency instruments don't.

You can often find reference versions on platforms like Scribd, but always ensure you are using the latest revision approved for your specific airframe.

PS-855B Maintenance Manual (specifically part number ) is the essential technical document for servicing the L-3 Avionics (formerly JET or B.F. Goodrich) emergency power supply. This unit is a critical safety component that provides 24 VDC and 5 VDC backup power to aircraft instruments like attitude gyros during a total electrical failure. Southeast Aerospace Inc. Key Maintenance Requirements

Regular upkeep is mandated by FAA standards and L3 Service Letters to ensure battery reliability. Periodic Check (Every 3–6 Months)

: A required inspection of the battery condition, similar to a preflight check, to ensure the unit is functioning within specified parameters. Annual Capacity Testing

: A mandated full-load test to verify the batteries can maintain the required voltage over a specific duration. Discharge Testing , the output voltage must remain above after a 48-minute discharge period. Recharging Protocol : Units must be recharged within

after a discharge test to prevent permanent damage to the sealed lead-acid cells. Core Manual Sections (TP-483) Component Maintenance Manual typically includes: PS-850/PS-855 Component Manual | PDF - Scribd

Emergency Power Supply (EPS) unit manufactured by (formerly J.E.T. / BFGoodrich) and now supported by Extant Aerospace Call to Action: Do you have a unique

. It provides critical backup power to aircraft instruments like attitude gyros and flight displays in the event of a total electrical failure. Southeast Aerospace Inc. 📘 Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) Overview The primary maintenance document for the PS-855B is the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) TP-483

. This manual covers both the PS-850 and PS-855 series under ATA Chapter 24-30-08 🛠️ Key Maintenance Intervals According to L3 Service Letter SL-170 , maintenance is divided into two primary categories: Periodic Check: Required every 3 to 6 months to verify battery health and readiness. Capacitance Check: Usually performed every

to ensure the battery can hold sufficient charge under load. ⚡ Technical Specifications (PS-855B) Specification Output Voltage 24 VDC & 5 VDC (variable) 5.0 Amp/Hour Battery Type Sealed, Lead Acid (2 packs of 6 cells) Recharge Rate 50% capacity within 1 hour at 25°C Protection Short circuit, Overvoltage, and Undervoltage protection 🔋 Critical Maintenance Procedures TP 483 - PS 850 PS 855 - Rev.B | PDF | Electricity - Scribd

The manual emphasizes a strict "Lockout/Tagout" (LOTO) procedure before any maintenance is attempted. Key safety warnings include:


Since maintenance manuals for obscure or OEM parts are often proprietary, use these fallbacks:

This manual provides instructions for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the Model PS-855B. It is intended for use by qualified technicians and maintenance personnel.

| Parameter | Specification | | :--- | :--- | | Model Number | PS-855B | | Pressure Range | Adjustable (e.g., 50 – 2000 PSI) Verify nameplate | | Proof Pressure | 150% of Maximum Range | | Burst Pressure | 300% of Maximum Range | | Electrical Rating | 15A @ 125/250 VAC (Resistive) | | Switch Type | Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) | | Process Connection | 1/4" NPT Female (Standard) | | Wetted Materials | Stainless Steel / Buna-N Diaphragm | | Ambient Temp | -40°F to 160°F (-40°C to 71°C) | | Enclosure Rating | NEMA 4X / IP65 |


Before diving into the maintenance manual, one must understand what the PS-855B is and why it needs specialized care. The PS-855B is typically a linear regulated DC power supply or a specialized industrial power converter (depending on the manufacturer's specific revision, often associated with brands like Kenwood, Tripp Lite, or proprietary medical gear).

Key specifications generally include:

The maintenance manual for this unit is not a simple user guide. It is a technical service document exceeding 50-100 pages, containing:

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