Corrosion Prevention and AC 43-206 Part 3

April 27, 2023 Laura Wishart

In this article, we continue the discussion of AC 43-206 by addressing the equipment and tools utilized in corrosion prevention and maintenance as well as identifying potential hazards to personnel and equipment. Read more

Corrosion Prevention and AC 43-206 Part 2

March 10, 2023 Laura Wishart

In this article, we look at procedures identified in AC 43-206 for the cleaning of avionics equipment to remove and prevent corrosive deposits. After initial inspection and identification of corrosion in avionics systems, the next logical step is to perform cleaning procedures to reduce/eliminate the risks from corrosion. Inspection and cleaning procedures should be performed on a regularly scheduled basis, as well as immediately following any situation(s) in which the avionics components are exposed to probable sources of contamination (weather, salt spray, spilled fluid(s), cleaners used for nearby systems, and any remnants from repair). Read more

Corrosion Prevention and AC 43-206

January 19, 2023 Laura Wishart

This article will discuss inspection methods for evidence of corrosion on aircraft and aircraft systems; a future article will address some of the maintenance and cleaning guidance offered by AC 43-206. Read more

New Means to Assess Corrosion Susceptibility

November 2, 2020 Michael Traskos

Low outgassing materials are critical for space applications. As one might imagine, a small, enclosed space with outgassing materials is not an ideal environment. To that end, space system developers have always sought insulation constructions with low outgassing properties. In past articles, Lectromec has covered the developments of the methods and materials used to reduce outgassing. Here, we examine the latest testing techniques for these materials. Read more

Galvanic Corrosion and Red Plague

July 7, 2018 Devon Gonteski

Some have brushed the issue aside saying that they have never seen it, thus it is not a problem. To put the issue of red plague into perspective, a worst-case estimate suggests as much as 3% of braided silver-plated copper shields have some degree of red plague. Across the aerospace industry, this equates to millions of dollars each year in scraped products, rewiring, and maintenance actions. Read more

Corrosion prevention compounds (CPCs) and aircraft EWIS

August 29, 2014 Michael Traskos

Corrosion prevention compounds (CPCs) are compounds that are placed on many aircraft components. Applied to a variety of mechanisms, these compounds have been found to increase structural life by reducing corrosion. While there are benefits to reducing corrosion, the impact of the CPCs on wire insulation and the aircraft Electrical Wire Interconnection System (EWIS) in […] Read more

Understanding Outcomes of Scrape Abrasion Testing

November 21, 2024 Michael Traskos

Scrape abrasion is a useful test for aviation wiring, although liable to inherent variability in test data. Thus, the results should be considered as a general assessment rather than a specific time to failure. Variability in the wire, cable, and wire harness construction will impact the test performance. In this Lectromec article, we examine how these factors impact scrape abrasion results and the value of such results when such variability is inevitable. Read more

AS50881 and Connectors

June 3, 2024 Michael Traskos

Amidst the vast amount of aerospace standards, AS50881 stands out as a comprehensive guide to requirements to ensure wire termination safety specifically in connector installation and design. In this article, we discuss some of the important guidelines for connector installation, separation, and identification covered by AS50881. Read more

Immersion Leak Detection

The ability of aircraft wire/cables to effectively prevent fluid leakage is essential to protecting sensitive electrical components and avoiding damage by corrosion. The immersion leak detection test evaluates the effectiveness of seals and the airtightness of a wire or cable assembly. The procedure involves the use of the Wire Insulation Degradation Analysis System (WIDAS). The […] Read more

Moisture Resistance

MIL-DTL-3885 Method 4.6.4 specifies the moisture resistance test for wire and cable connectors. This test is conducted to evaluate the ability of connectors to withstand exposure to moisture and ensure their reliability in humid or wet environments. The test is designed to simulate the effects of moisture on the connectors and assess their performance under […] Read more

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