EN 2591-301:1996

Overview

EN 2591-301:1996 - "Aerospace series - Elements of electrical and optical connection - Test methods - Part 301: Endurance at temperature" (CEN) defines a standardized method to assess the endurance at temperature of electrical and optical connection elements used in aerospace systems. Intended to be used together with the general EN 2591 series, this part focuses on verifying connector, contact and joint performance under sustained thermal exposure relevant to aircraft and spacecraft environments.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Applies to elements of electrical and optical connection within the aerospace domain (connectors, contacts, splices, assemblies). It supplements the broader EN 2591 series.
• Test purpose: Establishes a repeatable procedure to evaluate long‑term thermal endurance - assessing mechanical integrity, electrical continuity, optical signal stability and material degradation when exposed to specified temperatures.
• Test specimen preparation: Covers general requirements for samples and test assemblies to ensure representative and reproducible results (to be used in conjunction with EN 2591).
• Test execution and monitoring: Describes the approach for exposing specimens to controlled temperature conditions, monitoring electrical/optical performance during or after exposure, and recording relevant data.
• Evaluation and acceptance: Defines the need for measurable acceptance criteria (e.g., continuity, insulation, optical attenuation) and the documentation of failures or degradation trends - actual numeric limits are provided in EN 2591 or contract-specific requirements.
• Reporting: Emphasizes standardized reporting of test conditions, specimen details, test sequence and results to support qualification and traceability.

Applications

EN 2591-301 is used to:

• Qualify aerospace connectors, fiber-optic junctions and electrical contacts for temperature endurance.
• Support component selection and design verification in avionics, satellite and aircraft systems.
• Define test procedures for supplier qualification, procurement and quality assurance.
• Provide test-lab procedures for environmental testing and failure analysis.

Typical users:

• Aerospace design and qualification engineers
• Test laboratories and certification bodies
• Component manufacturers and suppliers
• Procurement and quality assurance teams

Related standards

• EN 2591 (general series) - use EN 2591-301 together with the main EN 2591 document for full test specification.
• Other aerospace connector and environmental testing standards may be referenced in procurement or certification documentation.

For engineers and test labs working on aerospace connectors, EN 2591-301:1996 is a key reference for establishing consistent, traceable thermal endurance testing and ensuring reliable electrical and optical connections under operational temperature stresses.