CFR 25.1717 – Circuit Protection and EWIS

June 30, 2023 Laura Wishart

Circuit protective devices are circuit components whose purpose is to disconnect power to the circuit in the event of a fault condition. The fault conditions vary based on the circuit type, attached equipment, and power capacity of the attached circuit. Some common fault conditions include overheating, overcurrent, and electrical arcing.

To meet the diverse needs of varying circuit designs and functions across electrical systems, several types of circuit protection are available. Each type has benefits and drawbacks, and it is important to evaluate each to determine the best option for a given electrical system. Read more

Are New EWIS Regulations Needed for High Voltage EWIS?

June 20, 2023 Michael Traskos

High voltage power has been a hot topic in the aerospace industry for several years now. As programs have been getting closer to a marketable product, regulators are seeking to determine the regulatory basis for these new platforms. One question that has been raised in several committee and industry meetings, “Are New EWIS regulations needed for High Voltage Wiring Systems?” Read more

HV Connector Failures and Part Selection

June 2, 2023 Michael Traskos

With the current shift toward hybrid and electric aircraft, deeper understanding of high voltage connectors and their potential failure modes is required. In this article, we discuss failure modes and selection criteria for high voltage connectors on aircraft. Read more

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

S&T 2022 Meeting Report

April 6, 2023 Michael Traskos

As in any scientific industry, aerospace across the globe benefits from the sharing of information and research. The annual S&T Electrical Systems and Wiring Inter-Agency Meeting is held each December with exactly this goal. The following are some highlights from the presentations and discussions from the 2022 meeting. 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

Fluid Immersion Testing of EWIS Components

January 31, 2023 Michael Traskos

From fuel to hydraulic oil to sodas, aircraft wires and cables are exposed to a wide range of fluids and, generally, the insulations must not show degradation that would impact their airworthiness. Material compatibility is important for all parts of the aircraft and the wiring system is no exception. The means to assess material compatibility between fluids and wires/cables is done with fluid immersion testing.

Fluid immersion testing is straightforward but requires a lot of materials, a lot of prep work, and a lot of hands-on attention to detail. The fundamental idea of fluid immersion testing is for components to be submerged in the fluid and observed for any changes to the material or components. Some test details and the impacts of the test results are covered here.

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

The Special Little Wire – Holiday Season 2022

December 14, 2022 Lectromec Team

“The Special Little Wire” is a story about a cheerful 24AWG wire journey to achieve his dream of being installed on an aircraft. But will he be able to become part of an aircraft Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS). Read more

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