A very challenging wiring problem is how to detect cracked or chafed insulation in installed aircraft wiring. As the average age of the U.S. air fleet increases the FAA, under the direction of Congress has implemented the Aging Aircraft Program. The FAA, together with private industry is actively working to develop new cable test techniques and equipment for the effective testing and inspection of aging wiring systems. Cirris has been an active participant in this endeavor, having recently received a patent for technology using inert gas (such as helium or neon) in conjunction with a conductive arc-path tool for the purpose of finding insulation problems that can't be found using traditional test methods.

Cirris presented a paper, Using Inert Gas to Enhance Electrical Wiring Inspection (650MB) at the 6th Joint FAA/DoD/NASA Aging Aircraft Conference that describes the technique and tools required to pinpoint insulation damage. This technique can also easily be used in a manufacturing environment to greatly enhance the value of high-voltage insulation testing on newly manufactured cables. If you are interested in a more effective test for insulation damage contact Cirris today for more information.

Cracked wire buried in a wire bundle, found using Cirris's new cable testing tools.

Questions? Call 1-800-441-9910.