Testing and Qualification of Fuses

August 20, 2024 Michael Traskos

Aircraft electrical fuse testing includes electrical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal conditions that are representative of the aircraft in question. This article discusses the basics of electrical fuses and how they are qualified for aerospace use. Read more

AS50881 and Connectors

June 3, 2024 Michael Traskos

Amidst the vast amount of aerospace standards, AS50881 stands out as a comprehensive guide to requirements to ensure wire termination safety specifically in connector installation and design. In this article, we discuss some of the important guidelines for connector installation, separation, and identification covered by AS50881. Read more

Inspectability of EWIS

April 1, 2024 Michael Traskos

Though EWIS should be protected from hazards such as tampering, FOD, and fluid exposure, the system does need to be periodically inspected and maintained throughout its service life. In this article, we discuss some of the industry guidance, regulations, and methods commonly used to ensure accessibility of the EWIS for the appropriate personnel. Read more

Insertion Loss and Attenuation

March 14, 2024 Michael Traskos

Insertion loss and attenuation are similar concepts, but one is assigned to a single component (insertion loss) whereas the other is assigned to generalized performance (attenuation). In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences of these concepts and how proper testing of each can ensure reliability in signal transmission. Read more

The Use of Splices

February 20, 2024 Michael Traskos

Though useful in repairs and modification, overuse of splices can lead to serious electrical and mechanical problems in an electrical system. This article discusses the applications and restrictions of electrical splices on aircraft. Read more

Forced Hydrolysis

January 10, 2024 Michael Traskos

The goal of forced hydrolysis testing is to represent decades of wet/humid environmental exposure on polyamide-insulated aircraft wiring. This article discusses forced hydrolysis testing in detail, including history, applicability, and performance of the test. Read more

Dielectric Breakdown

Dielectric breakdown testing is performed to assess the ability of insulation material to tolerate high-voltage stress without electrical breakdown. The test measures the maximum voltage an insulator can withstand before puncture of the insulation occurs, making the insulation unable to inhibit current flow through the failure region. Parameters that can be adjusted: Method of voltage […] Read more

A Guide to Aircraft Lightning Standards

October 27, 2023 Laura Wishart

Lightning protection requirements are not as straightforward as looking up a numerical value for insulation resistance or verifying the interchangeability of connector pins, and it is not exclusively an EWIS issue. Adequate consideration involves high level evaluation of the aircraft as a whole. In this article we identify several standards and documents that offer guidance in aircraft lightning protection. Read more

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

IEC 60851-5 Winding Wires – Electrical Property Test Methods

October 18, 2022 Laura Wishart

Winding wires, or magnet wires, are the wires used to construct coils in electronic components (transformers, relays, etc.) that generate the component’s magnetic field. These wires are primarily composed of a copper or aluminum conductor with a very thin layer of insulation. The insulation layer is as thin as possible to keep the wire cross-section small making it possible to squeeze the highest number of windings in the motor. Whereas most electrical wires are cylindrical, winding wires often have a rectangular cross-section profile; this allows for maximum cross-section during winding, thus reducing potential losses. Read more

Search