Application Areas

Cables & Connectors

Cables and connectors are the backbone of any electrical system, carrying energy between source and load. They may see a range of voltages such as DC, AC and variable frequency. As a wiring system runs across a vehicle it is relatively vulnerable to mechanical damage. The transition to higher voltages now means that damage to the insulation system of a wiring harness is more likely to lead to failure (in comparison to previous voltages used in aerospace applications such as 28V and 115V AC).

We can perform many of the standard tests needed on wiring systems with the ability to test cables, connectors or completed harnesses. Our test capability consists of both high current and high voltage systems that allow us to:

Confirm the ability of the wiring system to withstand the applied voltage through overvoltage testing.
Assess the partial discharge inception voltage of the wiring system using methods including those described in the aerospace standard EN3475.
Confirm the adequacy of creepage distances used in the wiring system.
Test with high current to assess the magnitude of temperature rise including any increase that results from the skin effect. High current tests can be carried out to assess both steady-state and dynamic temperature rise.

As with most of our tests, we are able to carry these out at reduced levels of pressure (simulating the effects of altitude) and at a range of temperatures. We can also carry out extended ageing testing to confirm the long term effect of thermal, mechanical, chemical and electrical degradation.