Testing & Assessment

Maximizing Electrical Component Performance

June 9, 2017 Michael Traskos

Most components for electrical systems will have an accompanying product specification or product information sheet. These information sheets contain a lot of information that include mechanical, thermal, and electrical performance and this information is regularly used by engineers to make technical decisions. This performance information is necessary to reduce engineering time and avoid the need […] Read more

How to Derate a Wire Harness

May 19, 2017 Michael Traskos

One of the question that we frequently receive at Lectromec is regarding the derating of wire harnesses. For those unfamiliar with the topic, we have covered this extensively in past articles. The quick summary of this is that due to the temperature rating of a wire, there is only a certain amount of electrical current […] Read more

Lectromec’s Testing Process

April 3, 2017 Michael Traskos

Testing can be complex. From test identification, locking down on test parameters, sample preparation, accurate test performance, proper data analysis, and delivery of a final report, an error anywhere in the process can cause costly delays and spurious results. Using the correct laboratory for testing is undoubtedly important. This article provides an overview of how […] Read more

Basics of Connectors

March 21, 2017 Michael Traskos

Circular connectors have been a part of the aircraft industry for nearly 90 years. Clearly, because of this long history, many lessons have been learned on the construction and use of these connectors. But before anyone can really consider how to use the connector, there are basics that must be understood. This article reviews some […] Read more

Space Certified Wires and Cables

March 9, 2017 Michael Traskos

In the last three months, Lectromec has been asked numerous times about “Space Certified Wires” (SCW). The basic premise of these questions has been whether there is a defined set of criteria that would show a wire or cable is suitable for space applications. The primary concern raised is can there be a single set […] 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

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