EN 2591-6317:2001

Overview

EN 2591-6317:2001 is a European aerospace standard that specifies test methods for assessing the flammability of optical elements used in electrical and optical connection systems. Published by CEN and developed under the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA), this standard focuses on ensuring that materials used in optical connection elements-such as permanent connections and fibre optic couplers-do not propagate flames when briefly exposed to fire. The standard is intended to guarantee enhanced safety and reliability for aerospace optical components exposed to potentially hazardous conditions.

This test method must be used in conjunction with EN 2591-100, which provides general test procedures for aerospace electrical and optical connections.

Key Topics

• Scope of Flammability Testing
  EN 2591-6317 outlines a test to verify the behavior of optical connection elements and fibre optic couplers when subjected to flame exposure, emphasizing non-propagation of fire to reduce risks of catastrophic failure.

• Material Suitability
  The standard applies to materials used in optical elements, ensuring their flame resistance properties meet aerospace safety requirements.

• Test Preparation
  Specimens must be prepared with cables that do not propagate flames and fitted with standard accessories and protective covers. Cavities with unterminated contacts require filler plugs to maintain test integrity.

• Test Apparatus and Procedure
  The testing method aligns with the procedures detailed in EN 2591-317 (flammability test methods) and references other relevant standards such as EN 2591-207 for voltage proof tests and EN 2591-6101 for visual examination, depending on the type of optical element being tested.

• Final Inspection and Measurements
  The standard requires post-test inspections covering voltage proof, visual quality, and contact retention to ensure no damage or degradation occurs due to flame exposure.

Applications

• Aerospace Optical Connectivity
  This standard is essential for manufacturers and quality controllers in the aerospace industry involved in producing or certifying optical connectors and fibre optic coupling devices, ensuring compliance with flame safety standards.

• Safety Validation
  EN 2591-6317 testing validates flame resistance in harsh aerospace environments, which helps prevent fire propagation in aircraft electrical and optical systems.

• Component Qualification
  Use of this standard assists in qualifying optical connection materials for use in both fixed and permanent optical networks onboard aircraft, spacecraft, and aerospace vehicles.

• Risk Mitigation in Optical Systems
  Ensures that optical elements used in critical aerospace communications and control systems maintain operational integrity and safety under thermal stress conditions.

Related Standards

• EN 2591-100 – General test methods for aerospace electrical and optical connection elements, providing a framework for applying specialized testing like flammability.

• EN 2591-207 – Voltage proof test for electrical components, relevant when hybrid optical and electrical connection elements are involved.

• EN 2591-317 – Flammability test methods for electrical and optical connection elements, forming the basis for EN 2591-6317's flame exposure procedure.

• EN 2591-409 – Contact retention examination in inserts, ensuring physical robustness post-flammability tests.

• EN 2591-6101 – Visual inspection procedures for optical elements, used to assess damage after flame exposure.

Keywords: aerospace standard, optical elements, flammability test, optical connection, fibre optic couplers, flame propagation, aerospace safety, EN 2591-6317, aerospace optical connectors, CEN standard, electrical and optical connection elements, flame resistance, aerospace compliance