Signs of an Aging Wiring System

May 1, 2017 Michael Traskos

All components wear out over time, but the rate at which they degrade will vary depending on the quality of the product, how is it handled, and the environmental conditions in which the component is installed. To consider all the potential ways that an EWIS can fail, it can be overwhelming. As a brief list […] Read more

Can the EWIS be Safe After a Modification?

April 11, 2017 Michael Traskos

The days of ‘fit and forget’ EWIS are at least a decade behind, the aircraft industry’s understanding of the implications of wiring as a system continues to evolve. New aircraft have gone through EWIS evaluations to ensure that the EWIS complies to regulations – not an easy task. Obviously, as the OEM design choices remain […] Read more

Lectromec’s Testing Process

April 3, 2017 Michael Traskos

Testing can be complex. From test identification, locking down on test parameters, sample preparation, accurate test performance, proper data analysis, and delivery of a final report, an error anywhere in the process can cause costly delays and spurious results. Using the correct laboratory for testing is undoubtedly important. This article provides an overview of how […] Read more

Basics of Connectors

March 21, 2017 Michael Traskos

Circular connectors have been a part of the aircraft industry for nearly 90 years. Clearly, because of this long history, many lessons have been learned on the construction and use of these connectors. But before anyone can really consider how to use the connector, there are basics that must be understood. This article reviews some […] Read more

Space Certified Wires and Cables

March 9, 2017 Michael Traskos

In the last three months, Lectromec has been asked numerous times about “Space Certified Wires” (SCW). The basic premise of these questions has been whether there is a defined set of criteria that would show a wire or cable is suitable for space applications. The primary concern raised is can there be a single set […] Read more

Next 15 Years of EWIS Design

February 24, 2017 Michael Traskos

The field of aircraft Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) has changed significantly in the last two decades. These changes have impacted the design, installation, maintenance, and sustainment of electrical wiring systems on aircraft. For example, increased electrical load requirements, materials restrictions, system safety assessment, and new regulations are just some of the areas that have […] Read more

EWIS Considerations for UAVs

February 13, 2017 Michael Traskos

Many of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) built have been for military applications. As this technology has matured so has the reliability. The improvements in reliability have made it a viable consideration to support civilian applications. Right now, the FAA has not certified a UAV, but undoubtedly this will occur. This video provides a cursory […] Read more

How many Cables Should be Shielded?

January 27, 2017 Michael Traskos

A common question when it comes to designing an aircraft EWIS is which of the cables should be shielded? There are several standards, such as MIL-STD-461, “Requirements for the Control of Electromagnetic Interference Characteristics of Subsystems and Equipment” provide an excellent basis for topics and testing that should be considered. But for those that are […] Read more

AS4373 – Testing Aerospace Cables – Part 2

January 21, 2017 Michael Traskos

When is a wire good enough to be placed onto an aircraft? What environmental tests should be considered to clear it for flight? Are there ways to determine how easy it will be to handle for maintainers? Over the last couple of decades, a single test standard has evolved to with test methods to address […] Read more

AS4373 – Testing Aerospace Cables – Part 1

January 10, 2017 Michael Traskos

When testing aerospace wire, there are several test standards that might be considered; however, the one that is most commonly referenced is the SAE AS4373 “Test Methods for Insulated Electric Wire” which covers a wide range of mechanical, electrical, environmental, and workmanship tests. In this first article of a two part series, we describe the […] Read more

By: Michael Traskos