SIST EN 6059-304:2017

Overview

SIST EN 6059-304:2017 is a European Standard published by CEN that specifies test methods for assessing the flammability characteristics of protection sleeves used in aerospace electrical cable installations. This standard applies to various sleeve types, including heat shrink dual wall sleeves, which protect electric cables and cable bundles in aircraft. It complements EN 6059-100 and is designed to meet the strict fire safety requirements stipulated in JAR-25 Section 1, Part 1, Appendix F for large aircraft.

The document defines two specific testing methods for different sleeve materials:

• Method 1 for textile fabric sleeves
• Method 2 for non-textile sleeves used on electrical and optical cables as well as harness components.

These methods provide consistent, reliable procedures to evaluate sleeve flammability, ensuring aerospace cable installations meet critical safety standards for fire resistance.

Key Topics

• Test Scope and Application
  The standard applies to electrical cable protection sleeves in aerospace, focusing on their flammability behavior under specified test conditions. It addresses both textile and non-textile sleeve materials to cover the breadth of aerospace applications.

• Specimen Preparation
  Specimens for Method 1 are rectangular fabric samples of minimum dimensions 75 mm by 305 mm, while Method 2 involves mounting sleeve samples onto cable bundles or copper tubes to replicate realistic installation scenarios.

• Test Apparatus

  • For Method 1, a vertical test chamber and specimen holder complying with EN 3844-1 are used.
  • Method 2 uses a larger chamber (minimum 700 mm × 300 mm × 300 mm) designed for a 60° angled flame application.
    A Bunsen burner with precise flame temperature control applies the ignition source, using methane, propane, or natural gas, as specified.

• Test Procedures

  • Method 1 involves a vertical flame applied for set intervals (12-14 s and 60-62 s), with flame temperatures around 843°C.
  • Method 2 is a 60° inclined flame test with an applied flame temperature between 950°C and 965°C for 30-32 s.

• Performance Requirements
  Stringent limits are defined for maximum burn length, flame extinction times, and flaming droplets after flame removal to ensure materials minimize fire propagation risks.

Applications

SIST EN 6059-304:2017 is essential for aerospace manufacturers, cable and sleeve suppliers, and testing laboratories aiming to certify electrical cable protection sleeves for use in aircraft. Its rigorous methods ensure:

• Safety Compliance
  Protection sleeves meet aviation fire safety regulations, reducing onboard fire hazards and enhancing passenger safety.

• Material Selection
  Manufacturers can validate the fire-resistant properties of textile and non-textile sleeve materials intended for electrical and optical cables in aerospace environments.

• Quality Assurance
  Aerospace engineering teams can perform standardized flammability tests to maintain consistent product quality throughout production and installation.

• Regulatory Approval
  Compliance with this standard satisfies requirements necessary for aircraft certification authorities, facilitating project approvals.

Related Standards

• EN 6059-100 – Aerospace series, general test methods for electrical cable protection sleeves. SIST EN 6059-304:2017 should be used in conjunction with this document.

• EN 3844-1 – Defines small burner tests for vertical flame propagation on non-metallic materials, underpinning the vertical test method in EN 6059-304.

• JAR-25 Section 1, Part 1, Appendix F – Joint Aviation Requirements for Large Aircraft fire safety, which the standard’s tests are designed to satisfy.

• EN 1057 – Standard specifying copper tube dimensions used as testing substrates in Method 2.

Keywords: EN 6059-304, aerospace electrical cables, protection sleeves, cable installation, flammability test methods, electrical cable fire safety, heat shrink sleeves, textile sleeves, non-textile sleeves, aviation fire standards, JAR-25 compliance, cable bundle protection, aerospace cable certification.