The impact of series arcing

September 15, 2014 Michael Traskos

While electrical arcing on aircraft is often associated with a dramatic failure event, a much more common occurrence on aircraft is series arcing. Series arcing can contribute to overheating and component damage, reduction in signal quality, and poor/sporadic performance of electrical equipment. In this article, we discuss the basics of series arcing, the failure effects, […] Read more

270VDC arcing in aircraft wiring

April 15, 2014 Michael Traskos

In a recent presentation to the SAE at the biannual meeting, Lectromec presented a summary of the work that was performed by several companies and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last summer. These tests were performed at the FAA’s Technical Center in Atlantic City on 270VDC in aircraft wiring. There were four test objectives: Perform […] Read more

F-22 crash and aircraft electrical arcing

November 15, 2013 Michael Traskos

In a report that was released August 2013 by the USAF, the results of a Lockheed Martin F-22 aircraft crash point to a chaffed power feeder cable as the likely cause of failure. On November 15, 2012, the F-22, attempting to return to base, crashed just short of a runway in Florida. The crash resulted […] Read more

Aircraft EWIS failure and the process of electrical arcing

October 7, 2011 Michael Traskos

The hazard of aircraft EWIS failure and electrical arcing will exist for as long as there is a need to deliver electrical power through wires. While electrical arcing is a common occurrence, the factors that impact an arcing event are often not well understood. This article reviews each step involved in electrical arcing, from what […] Read more

Electrical arcing of aircraft wire is hazardous even over separation

May 30, 2011 Michael Traskos

Research shows hydraulic line can be punctured without direct contact with arcing wire Recent research conducted by Lectromec confirmed the harmful effects of electrical arcing of aircraft wire events even in the presence of positive separation between the arcing source and the arcing target. Laboratory tests using hydraulic lines as arcing targets showed that, even […] Read more

Understanding series and parallel arcing for aircraft engineers

September 1, 2006 Lectromec Team

Aircraft engineers should know that in recent years have shown increased talk of arcing and the possible damage to aircraft. There have been many examples of these events on aircraft. Recently compiled data from the FAA indicates that between the years 1999 and 2004, there was an average of more than 20 reported electrical arcing […] Read more

Improving aerospace wire reliability by understanding arcing vs protection schemes

February 1, 2006 Lectromec Team

Prior to the launch of the space shuttle Discovery in July of 2005, NASA engineers discovered a previously unidentified hazard. Perhaps they should have gotten a better understanding of aerospace wire reliability. Power wires leading to a heater in the space shuttle were collocated with wires controlling the reaction jets used for in-orbit maneuvers. There were […] Read more

High Voltage, Low Current Material Arc Resistance Testing

July 26, 2024 Megan Chambellan

Long-term exposure to high-voltage can cause an insulating material to break down and, over time, even form conductive paths along its surface. The ASTM D495 test method is a preliminary assessment of an insulating or dielectric materials’ resistance to carbon arc tracking. In this article, we discuss this test method as well as the impact and limitations of the provided results. Read more

To Shield or Not to Shield – A Question on High Voltage DC Cables

June 21, 2024 Michael Traskos

Shielding on aerospace cables offers several benefits but can introduce some drawbacks that must be considered. In this article, we explore the pros and cons of using shielded cables on aircraft. Read more

Protected Harness Design

January 30, 2024 Michael Traskos

Wiring harness protection materials address needs such as fire protection, physical damage protection, chemical protection, and wire management but may also present challenges such as overheating or difficulty of access for maintenance activities. In this article, we elaborate on some of the common uses of added harness protection and address many of the benefits and drawbacks of open vs protected harnesses. Read more

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