EN 2266-002:2005

Overview

EN 2266-002:2005 is a European standard developed by CEN under the aerospace series, focusing on electrical cables for general purpose use in aircraft. It covers cables that operate at extreme temperatures, specifically within the range of -55 °C to 200 °C, ensuring they meet critical performance requirements for onboard electrical systems in aerospace applications. This standard defines common characteristics, materials, construction methods, identification, marking, and provides references to specific product standards applicable to diverse cable types.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  The standard applies to electrical cables used within aircraft electrical systems, designed to tolerate operating environments ranging from -55 °C up to 200 °C. It acts as a framework for ensuring cable safety, quality, and compatibility.

• Materials and Construction

  • Conductors are made from copper or copper alloy, typically nickel-plated as per EN 2083.
  • Cable construction varies by the number of cores (from 1 up to 10), impacting overall dimensions, weight, and electrical resistance.
  • Color coding is standardized for single-core and multicore unscreened cables, supporting easy identification during installation and maintenance. Tables in the standard specify exact color codes and coding schemes, including ring marking for multicore cables.

• Identification and Marking
  The standard specifies that cables must be identified and marked according to EN 2084. A shorter cross-reference designation is provided to facilitate practical usage such as in electrical drawings without compromising traceability.

  • Markings include reference to the EN standard, type code, size, manufacturer details, and year of manufacture.
  • For jacketed multicore cables, marking on the jacket is mandatory, while marking each core is optional. For cables without jackets, each core must be marked individually.
  • User-applied markings must comply with EN 3838 for durability and legibility.

• Normative References and Product Standards
  EN 2266-002 references several related standards for conductors, single-core cables, multicore cables, test methods, and marking requirements. Specific product standards included are:

  • EN 2266-003 to EN 2266-007 covering various printable cable types (inkjet, CO2 laser, UV laser, YAG X3 laser printable).
  • EN 3475-100 for test methods, EN 3838 for marking, and TR 6058 for cable coding identification.

Applications

• Aerospace On-Board Electrical Systems
  These cables are highly suited for critical electrical wiring in commercial and military aircraft, where both environmental resilience and strict compliance with aerospace regulations are mandatory.

• High-Temperature and Low-Temperature Environments
  The specified operating temperature range ensures reliable cable performance in harsh aerospace climates, from high-altitude cold conditions to engine compartment heat zones.

• Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance
  The standardized approach to cable identification, color coding, and marking simplifies installation, maintenance, and replacement, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Related Standards

• EN 2083 – Copper or copper alloy conductors for electrical cables
• EN 2084 – Single-core cables with copper or copper alloy conductors
• EN 2235 – Single and multicore electrical cables, screened and jacketed
• EN 2266 series (Parts 003 to 007) – Printable product standards for aerospace cables
• EN 3475-100 – Test methods for aircraft electrical cables
• EN 3838 – Requirements for user-applied cable markings
• TR 6058 – Cable code identification list

The EN 2266-002:2005 standard is essential for aerospace engineers, manufacturers, and maintenance personnel who specify and handle electrical cables designed to meet stringent aerospace operational and safety criteria. Its focus on material integrity, thermal durability, and precise marking protocols makes it a vital reference for maintaining compliance and ensuring reliable aircraft electrical system performance.