EN 3660-025:2013

Overview

EN 3660-025:2013 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies requirements for aerospace cable outlet accessories. It covers cable outlets, style A, straight, unsealed, with cable tie strain relief designed for use with circular and rectangular electrical and optical connectors in aerospace applications. These accessories correspond specifically to connector series defined in EN 3660-002 and are engineered to operate reliably within extreme temperature ranges, ensuring durability and safety in critical aerospace environments.

The standard includes detailed specifications for dimensions, materials, mechanical properties, marking, and testing protocols. It supersedes the previous 2009 edition, reflecting the latest industry needs and advances in aerospace connector technology.

Key Topics

• Scope and Usage
  Defines straight style A cable outlets with cable tie strain relief for EN 3646 connectors. Designed for use with EN 3660-002 connectors under severe temperature conditions:

  • Class A and Class N: -65 °C to 200 °C
  • Class W: -65 °C to 175 °C

• Design and Dimensions
  Precise dimensional requirements are provided, including shell size variations (sizes 08 to 24) with detailed threading, mass, and interface dimensions. This ensures compatibility and interchangeability within aerospace electrical and optical connection systems.

• Materials and Coatings
  Cable outlets are manufactured in aluminum with different finishes depending on the class:

  • Class A: Black anodized aluminium
  • Class N: Electroless nickel plated aluminium
  • Class W: Olive drab cadmium plated aluminium
    These treatments provide corrosion resistance and durability suited to aerospace environments.

• Mechanical and Electrical Specifications
  Includes assembly and coupling torque limits, mechanical strength criteria, strain relief features, and electrical continuity requirements. These standards guarantee high performance, reliability, and mechanical endurance in demanding aerospace use cases.

• Testing Requirements
  EN 3660-025 references extensive mechanical, environmental, and electrical test procedures from EN 3660-001 and EN 2591-100, covering aspects such as:

  • Temperature endurance
  • Salt mist and dust resistance
  • Mechanical shock and vibration
  • Flammability and ozone resistance
  • Mechanical endurance and mating forces
    This holistic testing ensures product qualification and operational safety.

• Marking and Identification
  Specifies identification marks including standard number, shell size, material class, and spacer pad presence. This traceability supports quality control and compliance verification.

Applications

EN 3660-025 cable outlet accessories are critical components in aerospace electrical and optical connector systems. Their primary applications include:

• Aircraft Wiring Systems: Providing robust cable exit points with effective strain relief for wiring harnesses exposed to temperature extremes and mechanical stresses.
• Avionics and Instrumentation: Ensuring secure and reliable connections within avionics modules and optical data transmission interfaces.
• Defense Aerospace Equipment: Meeting stringent military and aerospace requirements for ruggedized electrical and optical connectors.
• Spacecraft and Satellites: Suitable for harsh thermal and mechanical conditions encountered in space applications.

By adhering to EN 3660-025, manufacturers and system integrators can optimize connector reliability, ease of installation, and maintenance in aerospace platforms.

Related Standards

• EN 3660-001: Technical specification covering general cable outlet accessories for aerospace circular and rectangular connectors.
• EN 3660-002: Index and product standards for associated electrical and optical connectors compatible with cable outlet accessories.
• EN 3660-036: Spacer pad product standard used in conjunction with cable outlets for enhanced mechanical support.
• EN 2591-100: General test methods for aerospace electrical and optical connection elements.
• EN 2591-420: Specific test methods for mechanical strength assessments referenced in assembly and torque testing.

These interconnected standards provide a comprehensive framework for the design, testing, and application of aerospace connector accessories, ensuring interoperability, safety, and industry-wide acceptance.

Keywords: EN 3660-025, aerospace cable outlet, electrical connectors, optical connectors, cable tie strain relief, aerospace standards, CEN aerospace standards, connector accessories, unsealed cable outlet, connector temperature range, aerospace wiring, electrical connector accessories.