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

Getting the Most from Visual Inspections

October 12, 2017 Michael Traskos

Good data is anything that can be turned into actionable information; this is a critical element in nearly every project. For those that regularly perform EWIS inspections, unless the data is gathered in such a way to improve the aircraft reliability, address technical errors, and/or be used as part of trend analysis, the effort is […] Read more

Evaluating Secondary Wire Harness Protection Performance

October 4, 2017 Michael Traskos

There are several reasons to deploy secondary harness protection (SHP): chafe protection, maintenance protection, fire protection, harness cable management and, in some cases, arc protection. The EN6059-502 test examines secondary harness protections and the potential damage from arcing. This article runs through the test method and problems that could occur if the results are misinterpreted. […] Read more

Fall 2017 SAE Wire and Cable Meeting Update

September 27, 2017 Michael Traskos

Every six months, the SAE wire system installation and wire/cable subcommittees come together to advance the state of the industry. This year, the Fall meeting was held in sunny Temecula, California. The following are some of the noteworthy items from this meeting. High Voltage Endurance The 8D task group on the evaluation of high voltage […] Read more

Power over Ethernet and Potential Application Problems

September 15, 2017 Michael Traskos

The primary purpose of power over ethernet (PoE) is to use a single ethernet cable to provide a datalink and low-level power to devices. Since PoE became standardized in 2003, it has been implemented on a large range of ground based applications. There are several benefits to this implementation which include cable that is easily […] Read more

Selecting the Right Wires and Cables

August 30, 2017 Michael Traskos

In reviewing Lectromec’s articles, one can find over 250 articles covering different segments of aerospace wiring systems and lifecycle. For some, this may be an overload of information. But, if these articles were consolidated to their fundamentals, one can conclude that by selecting the right parts, installing them the right way, and doing the right […] Read more

Does a Connector’s Plating Type Impact Performance?

August 23, 2017 Michael Traskos

Design and installation of an aircraft’s electrical system has been made significantly easier with the adoption of modular harness design. This design pattern allows for discrete wiring sections to be designed and fabricated; this is only possible with the reliable performance of connectors. The connector-ization of harnesses has led some OEMs to build platforms where […] Read more

Why use Lectromec for your Testing?

August 1, 2017 Michael Traskos

Not all testing is created equal. We have all seen the results of poorly performed tests – not only do they result in a waste of money, but also a waste of time – and when testing is delaying a product to market, the costs can be huge. Even with that in mind, it can […] Read more

Fuel System Protection Part II

July 19, 2017 Michael Traskos

Lectromec has written multiple articles on fuel system safety as it relates to SFAR88, AC 25.981, and AC 25.1701. In this article, we continue the discussion by reviewing some of the recommendations that came out of the NTSB report on TWA 800 and subsequently influenced AC 25.981. Some of these recommendations may not apply to […] Read more

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