EN 3475-803:2002

Overview

EN 3475-803:2002 is a European aerospace standard that defines test methods for measuring capacitance variation in electrical cables specifically designed for aircraft use. This standard focuses on multipair cables and provides a systematic approach to assess their electrical properties. It forms part of the comprehensive EN 3475 series dedicated to aerospace cables and is intended to be used alongside EN 3475-100, which outlines the general test methods for aircraft electrical cables.

Developed under the auspices of the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA), EN 3475-803:2002 ensures consistent measurement practices that support the safety, reliability, and performance of aerospace electrical systems.

Key Topics

• Capacitance Variation Measurement
  The standard specifies the method to accurately measure the variation in capacitance per unit length of each pair in a multipair cable. This is critical in assessing cable uniformity and detecting manufacturing inconsistencies or damage.

• Test Methodology
  The capacitance per unit length for each pair is measured following EN 3475-801. The arithmetic mean capacitance (Cn) is calculated, and capacitance variation (ΔC) is expressed as a percentage relative to this mean. This quantification helps in evaluating whether the cable meets defined electrical tolerance limits.

• Specimen Preparation
  Proper preparation of cable samples, including stripping and connection to the measurement device, is essential to obtain valid and repeatable test results.

• Compliance Requirements
  The standard mandates that the maximum capacitance variation must not exceed limits specified by the product standard. This ensures cables conform to aerospace-grade specifications essential for operational safety.

• Normative References
  EN 3475-803:2002 is used in conjunction with related standards such as:

  • EN 3475-100 (General test methods for aerospace cables)
  • EN 3475-801 (Capacitance per unit length measurement methods)

Applications

EN 3475-803:2002 applies specifically to the aerospace sector where electrical cables must comply with stringent quality and performance specifications. Practical applications include:

• Aircraft Wiring Systems
  Ensuring that multipair cables used for critical avionics and electrical systems maintain consistent capacitance characteristics for reliable signal transmission.

• Quality Assurance in Cable Manufacturing
  Aerospace cable manufacturers use this standard to verify uniform electrical properties during production, helping to detect defects and minimize failures.

• Maintenance and Inspection
  Aerospace maintenance teams can utilize these test methods to assess cable integrity and diagnose deterioration or damage caused by environmental or operational stress.

• Research and Development
  Engineers developing new aerospace cable designs rely on capacitance variation measurements to optimize materials and construction techniques.

Related Standards

• EN 3475-100: Aerospace series – Cables, electrical, aircraft use – Test methods – Part 100: General
  Provides the fundamental testing framework and general procedures used across the EN 3475 series.

• EN 3475-801: Aerospace series – Cables, electrical, aircraft use – Test methods – Part 801: Capacitance per unit length
  Specifies procedures for measuring the capacitance per unit length essential for EN 3475-803 testing.

• Industry Aerospace Cable Standards
  Standards from organizations such as SAE and MIL-DTL series complement this European standard by covering broader aspects of aerospace cable design, qualification, and testing.

Keywords: Aerospace cable testing, capacitance variation measurement, aircraft electrical cables, EN 3475-803, multipair cables, aerospace standards, cable quality assurance, capacitance per unit length, aerospace cable specifications, electrical test methods aircraft