Connector Failure Rates – Part #2

January 26, 2018 Michael Traskos

In Lectromec’s previous article, we introduced a basis for estimating connector failure rates. The framework utilized the failure information available from military handbook MIL-HDBK-217. In this article, we continue to review the parameters of the failure rate function and implications on how slight changes in the environment can have a dramatic impact on a connectors […] Read more

Connector Failure Rates – Part #1

January 17, 2018 Michael Traskos

Coming up with failure rates of electrical components is always a difficult task. Historically, when failure modes and effects analyses were created for aircraft systems, the level of detail of EWIS component failures were severely lacking. Some organizations would create a single failure number for an entire circuit, regardless of the wires or connections made […] Read more

What Are You Missing from Your Risk Assessment?

January 8, 2018 Michael Traskos

Creating maintenance action plans for vehicle sustainment is a heavily detailed process involving the collaboration between multiple groups. If any group has a less detailed (or flawed) analysis, the potential impact could be felt for years/decades to come. A structured process for assessment is outlined in the mechanical subsystems integrity program (MECSIP) outlined in military […] Read more

Happy Holidays from Lectromec

December 22, 2017 Administrator

Lectromec’s lab did one last set of tests before the 2017 holidays. We bring you a polyimide Christmas tree powered by 270VDC. Read more

AS50881 and EN3197 Harmonization

December 14, 2017 Tristan Epp Schmidt

Working from a common knowledge base is critical for part interoperability. Take a standard screw; to install it requires a screwdriver (Phillips or Flathead), lining the screw up with the hole, and rotating clockwise to drive the screw. The screw works the same in Europe as it does in America, though the measurements might be […] Read more

Designing for Relays

November 30, 2017 Alexander Petrov

Power transfer through aircraft or any electrical system requires components that have the capability to turn on and off. These switches, contactors, transistors, and electrical relays that route power through the aircraft are life limited parts. Whether from a design or sustainment view, understanding how these components degrade over time and what to look for […] Read more

Frequency of Wire System Incidents

November 14, 2017 Michael Traskos

In July 2017, Lectromec published a white paper on electrical wiring system failures on commercial aircraft. This is a brief video of the finding and what can be done to improve EWIS reliability in commercial aircraft. Read more

Getting the Most Value from Wire System Degradation Assessments

November 6, 2017 Michael Traskos

Task four of military handbook MIL-HDBK-525 (also incorporated into the mechanical subsystems integrity program standard MIL-STD-1798) outlines a set of considerations and procedures for the assessment of an aircraft electrical system specifically for the service life extension program (SLEP). The important factor is to ensure that resources are not wasted on this effort and that […] Read more

Streamline Production with Whitelisting Cable Suppliers

October 25, 2017 Michael Traskos

Since each wire/cable manufacturer has its own specialization and processes, significant performance variations can be found despite using the exact same product specification. Tests performed by Lectromec on the same wire specification from multiple manufacturers have found a 2:1 performance variation on key electrical and mechanical properties. Clearly, not all parts made to the same […] Read more

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