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Understanding the Differences Between Klixon Aircraft Circuit Breaker Series
When it comes to electrical protection in general aviation aircraft, Klixon® circuit breakers by Sensata Technologies have long been the industry standard. Found in everything from Cessnas to Gulfstreams, Klixon breakers combine reliability, precision calibration, and lightweight design — critical for both safety and performance in flight.
However, with so many Klixon series numbers — 2TC, 3TC, 6TC, 9TC, 7274, 7277, 6752, 7270/7271, and others — understanding which breaker suits which application can be confusing.
This article breaks down the key differences between the most commonly used Klixon series in light and general aviation, with insight into their construction, use cases, and advantages.
Choosing the Right Klixon Breaker for Your Aircraft
| Series | Amperage | Temp. Comp. | Mount Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2TC / 3TC | 1–35A | Yes | Push-button | Avionics, lighting |
| 6TC / 9TC | 1–35A | Yes | 3-phase | Power distribution |
| 2TC49 | 2.5–15A | Yes | Push-button | Redundant critical protection |
| 5TC | 20–50A | Yes | Push-button | Heavier loads |
| 6752 / 6752-100 | 2.5–100A | Yes | Stud mount | High-load, turbine aircraft |
| 7274 | 0.5–20A | No | Panel mount | Certified GA aircraft |
| 7277 | 0.5–20A | No (wider tolerance) | Panel mount | Experimental / general purpose |
| 7270 / 7271 | 3–35A | No | Toggle / push-button | Compact retrofit use |
| 20TC | 3–35A | No | Rocker switch | Modern GA panels |
Note: “Temp. Comp.” indicates an ambient-compensated design (consistent trip behavior across temperature). TC and 6752 families are ambient-compensated; 7274/7277/7270/7271/20TC are not.
The TC Series — Ambient Compensated Precision for Modern Aircraft
The Klixon TC family (2TC, 3TC, 6TC, 9TC, 2TC49, and 5TC) represents the core of aircraft-grade circuit protection. These miniature, ambient-compensated breakers are designed to handle wide temperature variations while maintaining consistent performance.