An overview of the “Big 2” wiring insulations: PTFE and ETFE

February 28, 2011 Michael Traskos

Editors Note: Article updated August 29, 2014 Most aerospace wiring insulations on the market are based on the PTFE or ETFE polymers. These polymers have a high corrosion resistance and strength and excellent dielectric properties that make them perfect for use in aircraft and radio wiring. PTFE (DuPont trade name Teflon®) is a fluorocarbon and […] Read more

FAA wire incidents report: March 2009

September 1, 2009 Lectromec Team

The following are the wire incidents reported in the FAA’s March 2009 Circular 43-16A – Alert Number 368. Incident # 1 Aircraft Make: Cessna Aircraft Model: A150K Part Name: Air Intake Part Condition: Water Block From the perspective of FAA Wire Incidents, a mechanic provides this excellent analysis of his customer’s aircraft problems: “The owner […] Read more

FAA wire incidents report: February 2009

September 1, 2009 Lectromec Team

The following are examples of a FAA Wire Incidents Report.These are the wire incidents reported in the FAA’s February 2009 Advisory Circular 43-16A – Alert Number 367. Incident # 1 Aircraft Make: Aerospace Technology Aircraft Model: ATR42* Part Name: Wire Harness Part Condition: Damaged Part Location: Engine The engine experienced repeated events of torque fluctuations […] Read more

FAA wire incidents report: January 2009

April 3, 2009 Lectromec Team

The following are the wire incidents reported in the FAA wire incidents report for January 2009 Advisory Circular 43-16A – Alert Number 366. Incident #1 Aircraft Make: Beechjet Aircraft Model: 400A Part Name: Wire Part Condition: Chafing Part Location: Right Forward Galley “The pitch-trim (was found to be) inoperative. (I) removed the right forward galley […] Read more

Arc flash assessment on naval vessels

March 19, 2009 Lectromec Team

Arc flash is a problem for many industries; with increased demand for electrical power, arc flash is the likely consequence. To combat this growing hazard, most organizations have taken proactive measures to provide training to their staff in the proper way to protect against an arc flash. This training is the first line of defense in protecting […] Read more

The future of aircraft wires and aircraft wire life projection

February 18, 2009 Lectromec Team

There no doubt has been tremendous growth in wireless technologies over the last decade. This constant change has produced an ever improving series of technology with longer ranges, high transfer rates, and higher accuracy. This then begs the question, in this new world where everything is becoming wireless, is there still a need for hard-wired technology? If […] Read more

FAA wire incidents report: October and November 2008

January 1, 2009 Lectromec Team

The following are the wire incidents reported in the FAA’s October 2008 Advisory Circular 43-16A – Alert Number 363 and November 2008 Advisory Circular 43-16A – Alert Number and 364. Incident #1 DASSAULT Dassault: 900B; Failed Circuit Breaker; ATA 2400 A repair station report states: While troubleshooting AC electrical outlets for being inoperative,(we) removed a […] Read more

FAA wire incidents report: September 2008

November 7, 2008 Lectromec Team

The following are the wire incidents reported in the FAA Wire Incidents Report September 2008 Advisory Circular 43-16A – Alert Number 362. Incident #1 FAA Control Number: MWE2008F00032 Aircraft Make: DOUG Aircraft Model: DC981 Part Name: Wire Part Condition: Broken Difficultly Date: 8/19/2008 Part Location: Emergency Light When circuits are no longer needed, cap and […] Read more

Aircraft wire selection, harness protection devices, and aircraft wire systems topic Q&A

November 7, 2008 Lectromec Team

Answering Reader Mail Third Quarter 2008 November 7, 2008 From time to time, I get some basic questions about aircraft wire systems. To accommodate this, I have answered some of these questions and have posted the responses below. What are some of the steps that exist which people should take when selecting wire? First and […] Read more

FAA wire incidents report: July 2008

August 7, 2008 Lectromec Team

The following are the wire incidents reported in the FAA Wire Incidents Report July 2008 Advisory Circular 43-16A. Read more

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