VU Numbering System Airbus

[B737NG_Pilot]

What is the "VU" numbering system used in Airbus cockpits for panel numbering, like 424VU, 22VU, 425VU

[i am a bee too]

Hi vu is what airbus call fictious panels.This means that the panel has switches circuit breakers for more than one piece of equipment. Ie the fuel panel has switches and connectors for tank pumps. Connectors ,switches and circuit breakers are designated Vc. Main wire routes are Vb. Therminal blocks are Vt. Pressure seals are Vs. There is a long list in the chapters 90 to 94 as far as I can remember in the wiring manuals. Also in equipment manual. There is alot of them.

[Terry McCassey]

You may replace parts on a VU panel, lamps, switches etc. If the panel does not have a VU number in the front RH topside, you have to replace this non-Airbus part. Fire, comms, etc will not have a VU ident.

[B737NG_Pilot]

You may replace parts on a VU panel, lamps, switches etc. If the panel does not have a VU number in the front RH topside, you have to replace this non-Airbus part. Fire, comms, etc will not have a VU ident.

Hi Terry,

Thanks for your reply.

Just to check if I have understood it right, panels, which have a VU number (are airbus manufactured parts and components/switches on the panel can be replaced individually). The Panels without VU numbers are non airbus manufactured parts, and the entire panels needs to be replaced.

[B737NG_Pilot]

Thanks I_am_a_bee_too

So panels with VU numbers have more than one equipment attached.. ?

[i am a bee too]

Hi for example the external lights vu panel has switches for individual landing lights, nav lights,taxi light, take off light ect. all considered indivdual systems.

[Terry McCassey]

Hi Terry,

Thanks for your reply.

Just to check if I have understood it right, panels, which have a VU number (are airbus manufactured parts and components/switches on the panel can be replaced individually). The Panels without VU numbers are non airbus manufactured parts, and the entire panels needs to be replaced.
That is correct. You will see a small panel number XXXVU in small blue lettering. If no VU number then the panel assy cannot be repaired and none of its components are replaceable, you are unlikley to find anything in the CMM for these items. Non VU identified panels are generally from the vendor.

Hope this helps

[B737NG_Pilot]

That is correct. You will see a small panel number XXXVU in small blue lettering. If no VU number then the panel assy cannot be repaired and none of its components are replaceable, you are unlikley to find anything in the CMM for these items. Non VU identified panels are generally from the vendor.

Hope this helps


thanks Terry

[B737NG_Pilot]

Thank you for replying

why doesn’t the fire panel have a VU number

[Terry McCassey]

Thank you for replying

why doesn’t the fire panel have a VU number
Likely because it's considered a critical system - and they don't want us messing with it unecessarily. Easier and safer to change the whole panel.