EN 2854-002:2021

Overview

EN 2854-002:2021 is a European standard published by CEN that defines general requirements for aerospace electrical cables designed for general purpose use in aircraft onboard electrical systems. These cables are specified to operate reliably within a harsh temperature range from -55 °C to 260 °C. The document outlines the common characteristics and product standards applicable to these cables, ensuring performance and safety in aerospace environments.

This standard supersedes EN 2854-002:2009 and reflects technological updates, material specifications, and marking requirements aligned with modern aerospace industry needs. It is part of the aerospace series dedicated to electrical cables, focusing on general purpose cables employed in critical onboard electrical applications.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  EN 2854-002:2021 applies to electrical cables used in onboard electrical systems of aircraft where operating temperatures fall between -55 °C and 260 °C. Unless otherwise noted in product-specific documents, this standard covers all general-purpose aerospace cables within this temperature range.

• Materials and Construction

  • Conductors must be made of nickel-plated copper complying with EN 2083 requirements.
  • Cable construction details include core counts from 1 to 10 cores, with specific mass and dimensional factors for multi-core assemblies.
  • Colour coding schemes define standard colours for single-core cables (e.g., red, blue, yellow) and multicore cables to facilitate identification and reduce installation errors.

• Identification and Marking

  • Manufacturers must mark cables per EN 2084 guidelines.
  • To simplify references in electrical schematics, shorter cross-designations based on TR 6058 and AWG sizes are provided.
  • Individual cores in multicore cables must be distinctly marked.
  • User-applied markings should conform to EN 3838 standards ensuring traceability and compliance.

• Normative References
  The document references several critical aerospace cable standards and test methods including EN 2083 (conductors), EN 2084 (technical specification for general-purpose aerospace cables), EN 3475-100 (test methods), and EN 3838 (markings), ensuring comprehensive coverage of related requirements.

Applications

EN 2854-002:2021 cables are essential components within the aerospace industry, particularly for:

• Aircraft electrical systems that require cables to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations during flight operations at various altitudes and conditions.
• Wiring harnesses and onboard electrical interconnections which demand high reliability and resistance to thermal stress.
• General purpose aerospace cabling where consistent electrical performance and standardized identification are critical for maintenance, safety, and interoperability.
• Suitable for use in commercial aircraft, military aviation, and aerospace vehicles where compliance with international aerospace electrical standards is mandatory.

Related Standards

• EN 2854-003:2021 – Aerospace series cables product standard that complements EN 2854-002 by providing detailed product-specific specifications.
• EN 2083 – Defines copper and copper alloy conductors used in aerospace electrical cables.
• EN 2084 – Provides technical specifications for electrical cables with copper or copper alloy conductors in aerospace applications.
• EN 3475-100 – Outlines general test methods for aerospace electrical cables.
• EN 3838 – Standard on user-applied marking requirements for aircraft electrical cables to ensure traceability and identification integrity.
• TR 6058 – Technical report listing cable code identifications, helping simplify complex designations in cable systems.

Practical Value

Adopting EN 2854-002:2021 facilitates:

• Ensured operational reliability under extreme thermal conditions typical in aerospace environments.
• Standardized cable construction and marking improve compatibility across manufacturers and simplified maintenance processes.
• Compliance with European aerospace regulations enhancing product acceptance in the global market.
• Improved safety and performance through precise material specifications and testing requirements.

In summary, EN 2854-002:2021 serves as a critical framework for manufacturers, suppliers, and aerospace engineers to specify, produce, and use electrical cables meeting stringent temperature endurance and quality standards in aircraft applications.