EN 3660-007:2010

Overview

EN 3660-007:2010 is a European product standard published by CEN, focusing on aerospace cable outlet accessories specifically designed for circular and rectangular electrical and optical connectors. This standard covers self-locking cable outlets, style C, featuring a 90° shielded (cone grounding) design with an unsealed configuration and clamp strain relief. Primarily intended for aerospace applications, the standard defines specific requirements for components that provide secure cable termination with anti-decoupling features, enabling effective electrical grounding and mechanical durability in harsh environments.

This cable outlet standard supports cable screen thicknesses from 0.8 mm up to 4.8 mm and is compatible with the associated electrical connector EN 3660-002. It offers robust performance across a wide temperature spectrum, featuring three material classes to cover applications from −65 °C to 260 °C.

Key Topics

• Product Scope and Design

  • Cable outlets with style C, 90° angled configuration.
  • Shielded cable outlets utilizing cone grounding for effective EMI/RFI protection.
  • Self-locking anti-decoupling mechanism with clamp strain relief to secure cables.
  • Unsealed design allowing for application in environments where hermetic sealing is not required.

• Material Classes and Temperature Ranges

  • Class N: Aluminium with electroless nickel plating (−65 °C to 200 °C).
  • Class W: Aluminium with olive drab cadmium plating (−65 °C to 175 °C).
  • Class K: Stainless steel with passivated finish (−65 °C to 260 °C).

• Mechanical and Electrical Characteristics

  • Cable termination suitable for individual and overall shielding screens with thicknesses between 0.8 mm and 4.8 mm.
  • Defined mechanical interface dimensions for various shell sizes from 08 to 28.
  • Specified assembly and coupling torque values ensure reliable installation and longevity.
  • Electrical continuity with a maximum resistance of 5 mΩ to maintain effective grounding.

• Testing and Qualification

  • Compliance with comprehensive aerospace qualification protocols as per EN 3660-001 and EN 2591-100 series.
  • Environmental testing includes temperature endurance, salt mist, sand and dust exposure, shock and vibration, and fluid resistance.
  • Mechanical endurance tests covering mating/unmating forces and locking wire strength.

Applications

EN 3660-007:2010 cable outlet accessories are critical components for aerospace electrical and optical systems that demand high-reliability connections and effective electromagnetic shielding. Key application areas include:

• Aerospace Engineering

  • Wiring harness assemblies for aircraft and spacecraft requiring reliable connectors capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations and mechanical stresses.
  • Shielded cable management in avionics to prevent signal interference and maintain electromagnetic compatibility.

• Defense Systems

  • Use in military aircraft and defense communication equipment where ruggedness and secure cable coupling are essential.
  • Strain relief and grounding solutions for mission-critical electronic systems.

• Optical and Electrical Connector Assemblies

  • Integration within multi-pin circular and rectangular connectors for signal and power distribution.
  • Cable harnesses transmitting both electrical and optical signals in aerospace environments.

Related Standards

• EN 3660-002
  Defines the electrical connectors associated with the cable outlets specified in EN 3660-007, ensuring interface compatibility and standardized connection attributes.

• EN 3660-001:2006
  Establishes common technical specifications, testing methods, terminologies, and marking guidelines relevant to all cable outlet accessories in the aerospace series.

• EN 2591-100
  Outlines general test methods for aerospace electrical and optical connection elements, utilized during qualification of cable outlets per EN 3660-007.

• AS85049B (SAE Standard)
  A general specification for connector accessories, serving as an industrial reference complementing EN 3660 series standards.

Practical Value

By adhering to EN 3660-007:2010, aerospace manufacturers and suppliers assure high-quality, consistent cable outlet accessories that enhance system reliability and safety. The standard’s rigorous mechanical, electrical, and environmental requirements ensure cable outlets provide secure, shielded terminations reducing the risk of connector decoupling, signal interference, or mechanical failure during critical aerospace missions. Furthermore, conformity with this product standard facilitates interoperability and harmonization across suppliers and equipment designers, decreasing production costs and streamlining certification processes.

Adopting EN 3660-007 compliant cable outlets significantly supports aerospace programs aiming for long lifecycle performance and adherence to international quality and safety expectations in electrical connectivity solutions.