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

Impact of Corona on Electrical Systems

February 3, 2017 Tristan Epp Schmidt

Corona is an area of electrical systems that many have some knowledge, but often only to the point of knowing that there is a voltage that should not be exceeded. It is common knowledge that factors, such as pressure, have an impact on when and how corona will happen, though the source of corona is […] 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

Lectromec’s Top 5 Articles of 2016

December 30, 2016 Michael Traskos

At the end of each year, we look back at the most popular Lectromec articles. This year, Lectromec generated a wide range of content ranging from component testing to protecting fuel tanks. This range of topics was covered in more than published 30 articles, two whitepapers, and presentations on the results of multiple internal research […] Read more

Nuisance Trips

December 16, 2016 Michael Traskos

Circuit protection devices are primarily responsible for protection of electrical circuits from low impedance faults. These device types may be thermal, arc fault circuit breaker (AFCB), or integrated within a solid-state power distribution. Regardless of type, their role remains the same. But circuit protection devices are not error free. In the cases when the circuit […] Read more

European Arc Track Resistance Testing

December 2, 2016 Alexander Petrov

The arc track resistance test is a basic performance test for most aircraft power carrying wires. As with any component assessment tests, there are many ways to evaluate a wire insulation’s propensity for arc tracking. The European wet short circuit test standard, EN3475 Method 605, is one means to determine the arc track resistance performance […] Read more

Avoiding Fuel Tank Ignition

November 21, 2016 Michael Traskos

The number of aircraft accidents involving fuel tank ignition has thankfully been very low. However, the growing use of electrical power in aircraft has increased the number of wires and the likelihood of being routed near fuel system components. The increased electrical component density comes with a higher probability of a failure event occurring. In […] Read more

EWIS Design Changes – How to Achieve a Safe Separation Distance

November 6, 2016 Michael Traskos

Those familiar with aircraft wire system design know the limited available space in which wiring is usually routed. Often in tight quarters with other wire harnesses, redundant systems, and hydraulic lines, it can be very difficult and intimidating to identify safe separation distances in design and for retrofits. Adding to the complexity, a wire harness […] Read more

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