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In-flight power outlet system (also known as outlets, electrical sockets, plugs, and wall plugs) allow electrical equipment to connect to the electrical grid. The electrical grid provides alternating current to the outlet. There are two primary types of outlets: domestic and industrial.
While not obvious from looking at them, the two sides of an electrical outlet represent part of a ‘loop of wire‘ and plugging an electrical device into that outlet completes that loop, which allows electricity to flow through the device so it can operate. In other words, each side of an electrical outlet acts as a terminal.
Most first class and business class cabins will have power outlets and/or USBs for each seat. It’s not always a guarantee, the vast majority of major US carriers provide them in premium cabins.
The renewed Business Class cabins, they will also have USB-C and wireless charging available. In the new Premium Economy class, They have universal electricity sockets and USB-A and USB-C charging points in each seat. All the Economy Class seats have USB-A charging points.
The Global In-flight power outlet systems market accounted for $XX Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $XX Billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of XX% from 2023 to 2030.
EmPower In-flight power outlet systems EmPower is a trademark registered initially by Primex Technologies (VA) and assigned to Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems, Inc in Kirkland, Washington, USA.
Subsequently, the trademark has been expanded to include not just the proprietary 15 V DC connector but also the 120 V 60 Hz AC in-seat power (and video entertainment) systems. American Airlines uses EmPower 120 V AC outlets (standard 2 prong plus ground) on their newer 737s.
The AC EmPower system converts aircraft 400 Hz AC or wild frequency power to standard 60 Hz AC to prevent additional stresses in laptop chargers already stressed by reduced cooling at altitude.
Note that laptops on this system will still charge batteries. Modern laptop batteries, however include a temperature sensor that should compensate for the reduced cooling at altitude.
This new system accepts various national power plugs and most laptop chargers will function properly at 120 V 60 Hz AC even if sold in 230 V 50 Hz AC markets.
