An assembly for an aircraft includes an aircraft electrical distribution bus, a battery, and a battery monitoring system. The battery includes a plurality of battery strings and a main battery contactor. The plurality of battery strings are electrically connected in parallel. Each battery string includes a string contactor. The string contactor is positionable in a closed string position or an open string position. The main battery contactor is electrically connected in series with the string contactor of each battery string. The main battery contactor is positionable in a closed battery position or an open battery position. The battery monitoring system is configured to control a position of the string contactor of each battery string. Control of a position of the main battery contactor in the closed battery position and the open battery position is independent of the battery monitoring system.