Flammability, Smoke, and Dry Arc Tracking Tests of Aircraft Electrical Wire Insulations
Abstract
Although three different laboratory-scale tests were evaluated in this wire program, only the sixty-degree test is currently required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All test specimens with the exception of MIL-W-5086/1-PVC nylon passed this test with average burn lengths within the 3-inch maximum and no flame time. The MIL-W-5086/1 samples marginally passed the 30-second flame time, and the average burn length was greater than the 3-inch maximum specified in the FAR. The smoke test method used in this program called for a straight pilot burner when testing insulated conductor specimens. However, data for a multidirectional pilot burner were also included in this report. A direct correlation can be seen between dry arc tracking tests and wet arc tracking tests (DOT/FAA/CT-88/4). Extensive damage to all wires in the bundle occurred due to arc tracking propagation upon circuit breaker resetting. The TPT composite construction performed well. No dry arc tracking was evident. This construction behaved similarly to a halogenated polymer in this respect. Keywords: Dry arc tracking; Sixty degree flammability tests; Electrical wire insulations; Smoke test. (kt)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA214114
Entities
People
- Patricia Cahill
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration