SIST EN 3745-502:2006

Overview

EN 3745-502:2005 - Aerospace series: Fibres and cables, optical, aircraft use - Test methods - Part 502 specifies a standardized method for determining the tensile strength of short lengths of optical fibre intended for aircraft and aerospace applications. This European Standard is part of the aerospace test-methods suite and is intended to ensure consistent, reproducible tensile-strength testing for optical fibres used in avionics and other aircraft systems. It is published by CEN and was prepared by AECMA‑STAN.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Defines the purpose - a method to determine tensile strength for short length optical fibres used in aerospace contexts.
• Mandatory companion standards:
  • Must be used together with EN 2591-100 (Aerospace series - Elements of electrical and optical connection - Test methods - Part 100: General).
  • Directs users to EN 60793-1-31 for the specific tensile-strength measurement procedures.
• Normative references: The standard lists documents that are indispensable for correct application; dated references require the cited edition.
• Standardization context: Prepared by the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA-STAN) and adopted by CEN member bodies for national implementation.
• Test-method linkage: EN 3745-502:2005 provides the aerospace-specific framing and use-case for tensile-strength tests while relying on established optical-fibre test methods in EN 60793-1-31.

Applications and practical use

Who uses EN 3745-502:2005 and why:

• Aerospace manufacturers - to verify mechanical performance of optical fibres specified for aircraft wiring and data links.
• Test laboratories and QA teams - to perform repeatable tensile-strength testing on short fibre samples and document compliance with aerospace procurement requirements.
• Design and qualification engineers - to assess fibre suitability under mechanical stress conditions typical of installation and operation in aircraft.
• Procurement and certification bodies - to reference in specifications, supplier contracts and conformity assessment for avionics cabling.

Practical benefits:

• Ensures consistent tensile-strength data for short-length optical fibres across suppliers.
• Supports quality control, traceability and compliance for safety‑critical aerospace optical interconnects.
• Facilitates clear communication between manufacturers, test labs and certifiers by referencing a harmonized test approach.

Related standards

• EN 2591-100 - General test-method requirements for aerospace electrical and optical connections.
• EN 60793-1-31 - Optical fibres - Measurement methods and test procedures - Tensile strength.

Keywords: EN 3745-502:2005, tensile strength, short length optical fibre, aerospace standard, aircraft optical fibres, test methods, EN 2591-100, EN 60793-1-31.