EN 2591-419:2001

Overview

EN 2591-419:2001 is a European standard within the aerospace series addressing the stability of male contacts in inserts of electrical and optical connection elements. Developed by CEN and the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA), this standard specifies a test method to evaluate the mechanical stability of male contacts used in aerospace connectors. It is designed to ensure reliable contact performance in critical aeronautical environments, supporting safety and system integrity.

This standard is meant to be used alongside EN 2591-100, which provides the general test methods for aerospace electrical and optical connectors.

Key Topics

• Scope of Testing: Measures the stability of male contact elements inside inserts that form electrical and optical connections in aerospace equipment.
• Specimen Preparation: Contacts must remain unmated, with no rear accessories fitted during testing to maintain consistent and accurate test conditions.
• Test Apparatus and Setup:
  • Use of a standardized test fixture and precision gauge.
  • Specific lever arm lengths and force application points defined.
• Force Application: A calibrated force, applied at a rate of 5 Newtons/second, held for 10 seconds at two opposite points to measure deflection.
• Deflection Measurement: Total deflection between two applied force points (positions A and B) is recorded and compared to a specified acceptable limit.
• Acceptance Criteria: The measured deflection must not exceed the maximum allowable value, indicating that the male contact remains stable within the insert under mechanical stress.

Applications

• Aerospace Electrical Systems: Ensures that connectors in aircraft withstand mechanical forces without losing contact stability, which is critical for avionics, control systems, and power distribution.
• Optical Connections in Aerospace: Stability testing ensures that optical data connections maintain alignment and integrity under vibration and mechanical stress.
• Connector Design and Quality Control: Connector manufacturers and system integrators use this standard to validate design robustness and guarantee product quality.
• Maintenance and Inspection Protocols: Airlines and aerospace maintenance organizations can refer to this test method when verifying connector integrity during scheduled checks or after repairs.

By following EN 2591-419:2001, aerospace industries can mitigate risks associated with loose or unstable male contacts, improving reliability and safety for electrical and optical connections in harsh operational environments.

Related Standards

• EN 2591-100: General test methods for aerospace series electrical and optical connections, providing foundational procedures to be used alongside Part 419.
• Other parts of EN 2591 series covering different test methods and connection elements relevant to aerospace applications.
• Industry standards published by AECMA (now ASD-STAN) focusing on aerospace electrical connector requirements and quality assurance.
• International aerospace and military standards for electrical and optical connectors, often referencing CEN EN standards for European compliance.

Keywords: EN 2591-419, aerospace connector standards, electrical contact stability, optical connection testing, aerospace electrical connectors, test methods, male contact stability, aerospace industry standards, CEN aerospace series, aerospace connector reliability.