Shell to Shell Conductivity

Connector shell conductivity is critical for several types of applications. For example, harnesses that contain EMI sensitive circuitry are typically shielded and require good grounding and EMI protection as the signals pass through connectors. Often, this test is used after a thermal/environmental exposure cycle to determine performance after accelerated aging. For this test, a set […] Read more

Gauge Retention

Applicable test instruments, or test gauges, are installed in three randomly selected cavities in each connector. An axial load is applied to individual test gauges in both directions slowly until the maximum load is reached. The displacement of the gauge tool with respect to the connector is reported. Read more

Accessory Thread Strength

Assessing thread strength can yield vital data for how much stress a connector had endured. This is particularly important for connectors mounted in shock environments of aircraft. In the test, the mated connector is mounted as if in normal service to a rigid panel. After mating the plug and receptacle connectors, a torque is applied […] Read more

External Bending Moment

The external bending moment test evaluates a mated connector’s ability to maintain circuit continuity under physical bending. Improperly secured harnesses can place a strain on connectors, a particularly common occurrence in tight areas where perfect routing and strain relief are not possible. In this test, the connectors are mated with one mounted to a rigid […] Read more

Gauge Location

To ensure interchangeability between connectors, the mechanical configuration of connectors must remain consistent. The gauge location test verifies connector geometry. A standard test gauge (a test device shaped to particular dimensions) is installed in a connector cavity and the axial location of the front of the gauge is measured against a set reference location to […] Read more

Bayonet Coupling Pin Strength

Coupling components have the potential to undergo high mechanical stress as a result of poor clamping, heavy wire harnesses, and maintenance operations. The intention of the bayonet coupling pin strength test is to assess the strength of the pins in each of the couplings. For this test, a static 50-pound load is applied to the […] Read more

Weight

Verification of a wire/cable’s weight is important for several reasons Provides a quick evaluation to determine if the insulation/conductor are made of the right material. Determining an aircraft’s center of gravity is based on knowledge of weight distribution. Installation of overweight wire may impact this. If performed on multiple samples, it can be used to […] Read more

Inherent Viscosity Measurement of Polyimide

Polymers degrade over time. Degradation in internal integrity could lead to mechanical failures and, in operation critical environments, serious accidents. Measuring the inherent viscosity, or the molecular weight of polymers, is a thoroughly proven and effective technique to assess the polymers’ internal integrity. Through an exclusive agreement with DuPont, Lectromec now brings the inherent viscosity […] Read more

Strippability and Adherence of Insulation to the Conductor

This test may also be referred to as simply the “Strip Force Test.” The purpose of this test is to measure the level of difficulty to remove the insulation from the conductor. The insulation should not be easily removed from the conductor, however, it should be able to be removed with the usage of a […] Read more

Resistance to Pinch

During initial construction or maintenance operations, it is possible that wires/cables may become pinched as equipment is placed back into the vehicle. Wires/Cables with good insulation adhesion are less likely to be damaged during this pinching. The resistance to pinch test provides a means to quantitatively assess a wire’s performance. In the resistance to pinch […] Read more

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