IEEE 804-1959

804-1959 is a technical standard titled AIEE Test Procedure and Presentation of Aircraft Generator and Regulator Characteristics, focused on how aircraft power-generation equipment should be tested and how its operating characteristics should be reported. It is relevant to aerospace electrical systems where generator and regulator performance must be described in a consistent, comparable way. For engineers, buyers, and specifiers, this standard helps support clearer evaluation of aircraft electrical power components and their expected behavior under test.

804-1959 overview

This standard addresses the test procedure and presentation format for aircraft generator and regulator characteristics, bringing structure to the way electrical performance data is developed and communicated. In the context of aerospace and power, energy, and industry applications, 804-1959 helps define a common technical basis for describing generator output and regulator behavior. That makes it easier to compare equipment, review engineering data, and understand how a given device is intended to perform in an aircraft electrical system.

Typical use cases

804-1959 is typically used when evaluating aircraft generators, voltage regulators, and related electrical power equipment for design review, qualification testing, or procurement documentation. It may support engineering teams working on aircraft power distribution systems, component manufacturers preparing performance data, and organizations comparing regulator control characteristics across different units. The standard is also useful where consistent reporting of test results is needed to support system integration and technical acceptance.

Why this standard matters

Clear test methods and consistent presentation of results reduce uncertainty when specifying or assessing aircraft electrical components. 804-1959 matters because generator and regulator characteristics can affect power stability, system compatibility, and overall equipment selection. Using a defined technical document supports more reliable comparisons, helps limit misunderstanding in procurement or design review, and can reduce risk during qualification and application of airborne power hardware. For legacy aerospace documentation, it also provides a stable reference point for historical engineering practice.

• Aircraft generator test procedure
• Regulator characteristic reporting
• Electrical performance comparison
• Airborne power system evaluation