Developments in High-Voltage

May 10, 2017 Michael Traskos

The first meeting of the 8A and 8D committees for 2017 was held in Kissimmee Florida in April 2017. There were several topics discussed and voted upon that will have an impact on future wire component and system designs (previous article on SAE 8A/8D committee meeting available here). One common theme in the meeting was […] Read more

Next 15 Years of EWIS Design

February 24, 2017 Michael Traskos

The field of aircraft Electrical Wiring Interconnection Systems (EWIS) has changed significantly in the last two decades. These changes have impacted the design, installation, maintenance, and sustainment of electrical wiring systems on aircraft. For example, increased electrical load requirements, materials restrictions, system safety assessment, and new regulations are just some of the areas that have […] 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

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

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

Meeting Requirements for EWIS Certification

October 14, 2016 Michael Traskos

There are more than 17 parts to the FAA’s Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) regulations enumerated in the 25.1700 series. To show compliance with each of these regulations require a thorough subject area understanding. More so, as the EWIS evolves in design, it becomes clear that achieving EWIS certification requires a lot of data. If […] Read more

Insulation Shrinkage

When wire/cable insulation shrinks, the insulation can pull back from a wire termination location. If the wire/cable termination is intended to be environmentally sealed, the insulation shrinkage can create the potential for exposed conductor which may lead to shorting or arcing. In operational environments, insulation shrinkage may also create splits in the wire/cable insulation caused […] Read more

Use of Cables on Aircraft – Part 2

July 14, 2016 Michael Traskos

In this article, we will continue the discussion by exploring the NEMA27500 cable. Four sections were covered in the Part 1 (Specification, identification and shield coverage, conductor size, and wire specification). The remaining three parts covered here are the basic component wires, shielding materials, and the jacket materials. Read more

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