EN 3475-507:2007

Overview

EN 3475-507:2007 is a European standard part of the Aerospace series focusing on electrical cables used in aircraft. This standard defines a precise test method for verifying the adherence of plating on conductors or screen strands of aerospace electrical cables. Maintaining plating adherence is essential to ensure the electrical performance, durability, and safety of aircraft wiring systems.

This specification is mandatory to be used in conjunction with EN 3475-100, which outlines general test methods for aerospace electrical cables. Published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), EN 3475-507:2007 replaced its 2002 predecessor and was formally adopted by member nations, reinforcing harmonized testing practices across Europe.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  The standard applies to all types of plating on wiring strands used in aircraft electrical cables. It ensures that plated layers, whether on copper, copper alloy, or copper-clad aluminium strands, remain firmly adhered without detachment or cracking.

• Test Methodology
  The adherence test involves:

  • Extracting three specimen strands from the complete conductor or screen, each at least 150 mm long.
  • Straightening the strands manually.
  • Wrapping each specimen tightly around a mandrel matching the strand’s diameter to form three consecutive turns in contact.
  • Inspecting the plating surface post-manipulation for any signs of cracking or detachment.

• Inspection Specifications

  • For plating on copper or copper alloy strands, inspection requires magnification between 6x and 10x.
  • For plating on copper-clad aluminium strands, visual examination can be carried out unaided.

• Requirements and Acceptance Criteria
  The plating must show no detachment or cracking after testing to pass the standard. This ensures mechanical integrity and reliable electrical continuity in aerospace cable assemblies.

Applications

EN 3475-507:2007 is crucial for various stakeholders in the aerospace industry, including:

• Cable Manufacturers
  Ensuring quality control for plated conductors and screen strands in aircraft electrical cables.
• Aircraft Designers and Engineers
  Verifying that cables meet stringent durability and safety requirements for electrical systems in commercial, military, and space aircraft.
• Maintenance and Certification Bodies
  Conducting inspections and compliance checks to uphold operational safety and regulatory standards during aircraft service life.

By applying this standardized test, manufacturers and users achieve:

• Enhanced reliability of aircraft electrical wiring systems.
• Increased resistance to environmental and mechanical stress affecting plating layers.
• Consistent quality assurance aligned with international aerospace expectations.

Related Standards

• EN 3475-100: Aerospace series - Cables, electrical, aircraft use - Test methods - Part 100: General
  Provides foundational testing procedures applicable to all parts of the aerospace series cables, and is a normative reference for EN 3475-507.

• EN 3475 series
  Comprised of multiple test methods and requirements addressing different aspects of aerospace electrical cables, including mechanical properties, electrical performance, and environmental resilience.

• International Aerospace Standards
  While EN 3475-507 is a European standard, similar guidelines from SAE, MIL, and IEC often complement or intersect in aerospace cable manufacturing and testing.

Keywords: EN 3475-507:2007, aerospace cable testing, plating adherence test, aircraft electrical cables, conductor plating, aerospace wiring standards, CEN aerospace standards, electrical cable plating inspection, aerospace cable quality assurance, aerospace industry cables.