December 2025: New Electrical Contact Standards for Aerospace Engineering

The aerospace sector has entered December 2025 with a suite of significant updates targeting electrical connections in aircraft and space vehicles. Five new CEN standards were released this month under the Aerospace Series, providing rigorous requirements for electrical contacts vital to connection elements. These updates raise the bar for reliability, safety, and interoperability in today's high-performance aerospace systems—delivering critical guidance for manufacturers, engineers, compliance professionals, and organizations seeking to meet the latest international benchmarks.

Overview

Modern aircraft and space vehicle engineering relies on uncompromising quality in every component, especially electrical contacts that underpin everything from avionics to power distribution. Standards play a foundational role ensuring these parts meet uniform requirements for safety, performance, and lifecycle reliability. For industry professionals, keeping pace with evolving standards is essential to maintain certification, drive competitiveness, and ensure mission success.

In this article, you'll find detailed coverage of five December 2025 standards:

• Scope and requirements for new male and female contacts with advanced designs
• Notable specification changes from previous editions
• Key compliance insights and practical implications for your projects

Detailed Standards Coverage

FprEN 3155-044 - Male Electrical Contacts, Double Crimping, Class T

Aerospace series - Electrical contacts used in elements of connection - Part 044: Contacts, electrical, male 044, type A, double crimping, class T - Product standard

This standard defines the core characteristics, materials, tests, and tooling for male 044-type A electrical contacts using double crimping (class T). These contacts serve as the backbone for connectors specified in EN 3155-002, combining robust mechanical properties with electrical reliability. The double crimping method locks both conductor and jacket, enhancing safety by mitigating mechanical stress and vibration-induced failures—a crucial advantage for aerospace environments subject to significant stressors.

Key requirements include:

• Reinforced barrel design for double crimping
• Strict dimensional and material specifications (audio copper/copper alloys, protective plating)
• Dedicated color code marking and traceability
• Mandated testing per EN 2591 and EN 2997
• Use with matched female contacts (EN 3155-045)

Applications: Aircraft and space vehicle manufacturers, wiring harness suppliers, and MRO providers integrating electrical systems to the EN 3155 framework must implement this standard. Revision highlights address reference updates, color code corrections, and editorial clarity, integrating user feedback for improved usability.

Key highlights:

• Enhances contact reliability under mechanical load
• Strengthens traceability through improved marking
• Aligns definitions and tests with the updated EN 2591 suite

Access the full standard:View FprEN 3155-044 on iTeh Standards

FprEN 3155-045 - Female Electrical Contacts, Double Crimping, Class T

Aerospace series - Electrical contacts used in elements of connection - Part 045: Contacts, electrical, female 045, type A, double crimping, class T - Product standard

The companion to FprEN 3155-044, this standard focuses on female 045-type A electrical contacts in double crimping, class T configurations. The design protects the conductor from physical stresses by crimping at two distinct points—one on the conductor, one on the cable jacket. This provides a sturdy, vibration-resistant interface when paired with the male contact, ensuring signal integrity and contact longevity.

It prescribes:

• Detailed dimensions and permissible cable types
• Color code system for clear identification
• Acceptable tooling, gauges, and cable stripping procedures
• Full suite of qualification and routine testing
• Integration guidance with EN 3155-044 male contacts

Target organizations include aerospace wiring manufacturers, equipment designers, and system integrators. This edition reflects updates to reference materials, inclusion of revised color bands for identification, and editorial improvements for international harmonization.

Key highlights:

• Dual crimping at conductor and jacket for superior mechanical robustness
• Updated identification and markings for traceability
• Compliance with all-new normative references and testing

Access the full standard:View FprEN 3155-045 on iTeh Standards

FprEN 3155-070 - Male Electrical Contacts, Crimp, Class S

Aerospace series - Electrical contacts used in elements of connection - Part 070: Contacts, electrical, male, type A, crimp, class S - Product standard

This product standard sets the criteria for male type A crimp contacts, class S—a robust solution widely used across modular and circular aerospace connectors. The requirements maximize electrical performance for both signal and power applications even in harsh thermal and vibratory environments.

Scope covers:

• Specific mechanical dimensions and materials
• Surface treatments to resist corrosion and wear
• Color code marking for ease of maintenance
• Adaptations for a range of permissible cable sizes and types
• Comprehensive tests for electrical performance, mechanical strength, and environmental durability

By defining compliance expectations for both design and assembly (crimping, insertion/extraction tools), this standard targets cable harness manufacturers, connector OEMs, and aerospace integrators requiring consistent, global-ready products. Key updates include harmonization to EN 3155-071 and EN 4165 connectors.

Key highlights:

• For use with multiple female contacts (EN 3155-003, -009, -071)
• Enhanced crimp stability and insertion/extraction specs
• Updated qualifications for cable and environmental compatibility

Access the full standard:View FprEN 3155-070 on iTeh Standards

FprEN 3155-074 - Male Quadrax Contacts, Size 8, Crimp Types P, R, S

Aerospace series - Electrical contacts used in elements of connection - Part 074: Contacts, electrical, quadrax, size 8, male, type E, crimp, classes P, R and S - Product standard

Dedicated to high-speed data transmission, this standard governs male Quadrax contacts (size 8, type E) with a 100 Ω impedance, compatible with crimp classes P, R, and S. Quadrax contacts are critical for gigabit sensor/communication links, Ethernet, and avionics networking—where shielding and EMI performance are mandatory.

Key areas include:

• Detailed requirements for shielded, quadraxial connector design
• Support for high-frequency data (100 Ω impedance)
• Extensive testing, including EN 2591 test suite updates for both electrical and mechanical stresses
• Integration with latest digital data cable standards (EN 3375 series)
• Optional orientation keying for rapid, fail-safe installation

Targeted at OEMs, avionics system architects, and cabling specialists, FprEN 3155-074 includes substantial revisions, such as new contact classes, reinforced shielding options, and advanced qualification testing. These updates ensure readiness for future-ready digital platforms.

Key highlights:

• Supports multiple crimp classes for flexible assembly
• Enhanced shielding for high-frequency, high-reliability data paths
• Suitable for digital avionics, data buses, and secure comms infrastructure

Access the full standard:View FprEN 3155-074 on iTeh Standards

FprEN 3155-071 - Female Electrical Contacts, Crimp, Class S

Aerospace series - Electrical contacts used in elements of connection - Part 071: Contacts, electrical, female, type A, crimp, class S - Product standard

Rounding out this month's standards, FprEN 3155-071 addresses female type A crimp contacts, class S, which are integral for modular and rectangular connector systems in aerospace harnesses. This standard provides updated parameters for material selection, tolerances, assembly, and rigorous compatibility/conformance testing.

Highlights include:

• Strict geometric specifications to assure perfect mating with male contacts (EN 3155-008, -070)
• Mandated color code and traceability schemes
• Expanded provisions for insertion/extraction tooling
• Qualification tests to EN 2591/EN 3155 series requirements

Compliance applies broadly to connector manufacturers, harness suppliers, and aerospace systems integrators. The revision incorporates modernized material allowances and improved assembly instructions for global aerospace consistency.

Key highlights:

• Precise fit with latest crimp-type male contacts
• Enhanced crimp joint strength and lifecycle predictability
• Aligns with international best practices for environmental and mechanical testing

Access the full standard:View FprEN 3155-071 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adopting these updated electrical contact standards is crucial for all stakeholders in aerospace and space vehicle engineering. The new specifications:

• Ensure continued compliance with evolving international regulations and aerospace OEM requirements
• Reduce the risk of in-flight failures or maintenance issues linked to connector faults
• Guarantee supply chain interoperability and streamlined procurement
• Facilitate audit readiness and certification for civil and defense projects

Compliance considerations:

• Immediate review of engineering drawings and parts lists for alignment with new requirements
• Update of assembly, inspection, and testing protocols within QA programs
• Identification and training on new marking systems and crimping tool requirements
• Transition timelines should be ascertained in concert with customer and regulatory authorities

Failure to implement updated standards may result in non-conformance, impacting safety, certification, and market access.

Technical Insights

The five standards share a technical focus on:

• Double crimping and enhanced contact retention to resist vibration and fatigue
• Advanced marking and color coding for traceability
• Compatibility across extensive connector types (circular, rectangular, quadrax)
• Improved shielding and data integrity for digital and analog signals
• Full alignment with the rigorous EN 2591 test methods and other referenced protocols

Implementation best practices:

1. Train assembly and quality teams on double crimping, cable stripping, and gauge use
2. Ensure procurement sources only supply contacts tested and certified to latest specifications
3. Leverage updated marking systems for inventory management and part traceability
4. Regularly calibrate and maintain crimping tools per manufacturer and standard-specific guidance

Testing and certification:

• Plan for compliance testing at both incoming and outgoing inspection stages
• Maintain documentation for traceability during certification audits
• Consider third-party validation for critical applications

Conclusion / Next Steps

The December 2025 suite of standards for aerospace electrical contacts reflects industry-wide collaboration and commitment to safety, performance, and future-ready engineering. Organizations are strongly encouraged to:

• Review and integrate these new standards into design, procurement, and quality systems
• Ensure all product lines and supply chains align with the latest requirements for electrical contacts
• Stay connected with iTeh Standards for continuing updates and resources across the aerospace sector

By acting now, your organization can achieve best-in-class reliability, compliance, and customer confidence—securing a leadership position in the fast-evolving arena of aircraft and space vehicle engineering.