SIST EN 2591-426:2004

Overview

SIST EN 2591-426:2004 is a European standard developed under the aerospace series that specifies test methods for evaluating the effectiveness of contact retention systems in electrical and optical connection elements. This standard focuses on assessing the reliability of contacts subjected to combined tensile forces and rotational movement, critical in aerospace applications where connection integrity is paramount. It is intended to be used in conjunction with EN 2591-100, which covers general test methods for aerospace electrical and optical connectors.

Key Topics

• Contact Retention System: Evaluates the mechanical stability of contacts within electrical and optical connectors, ensuring they remain securely housed under operational stresses.
• Test Conditions: The method subjects contacts to a simultaneous tensile force applied to the steel cable and rotational movement ranging between 10 and 20 revolutions per minute for 100 rotations.
• Specimen Preparation: Contacts are crimped to specified steel cables using defined tools and parameters, ensuring test reproducibility and consistency.
• Apparatus Setup: Utilizes a turntable apparatus to apply the combined tensile and rotational forces, simulating real-world aerospace connector stress scenarios.
• Pass/Fail Criteria: The primary requirement is that contacts must not become dislodged from their cavities during testing, confirming the retention system’s effectiveness.
• Compliance: All tests adhere to the specifications outlined in EN 2591-100 and use standardized approaches defined within the aerospace industry.

Applications

• Aerospace Electrical Connectors: Ensuring reliability of electrical connections in aircraft and spacecraft systems subjected to dynamic mechanical forces.
• Optical Connection Elements: Assessing the durability of optical fiber connectors used in aerospace environments where vibration and tension are common.
• Connector Design Validation: Manufacturers utilize this standard to validate new connection designs under simulated operational stresses.
• Quality Assurance and Certification: Aerospace component manufacturers and suppliers use SIST EN 2591-426:2004 as part of quality control to comply with aerospace industry requirements.
• Maintenance and Repair: Used to evaluate the retention effectiveness of existing connectors during maintenance checks, preventing failure in critical systems.

Related Standards

• EN 2591-100 - Aerospace series – Elements of electrical and optical connection – Test methods – Part 100: General: Provides overarching test protocols that complement the specific tests in part 426.
• AECMA Prestandards - Many aerospace electrical connector test methods are aligned with technical documents and prestandards issued by the European Association of Aerospace Manufacturers (AECMA).
• IEC 60512 Series - International standards for connectors providing additional test methods, which may be relevant for cross-industry compliance.
• MIL-STD-202 - U.S. military standards detailing similar test requirements for electrical connectors, supporting global aerospace interoperability.
• EN 2591 Series - Additional parts of the EN 2591 standard relating to various electrical and optical connector test procedures, ensuring comprehensive testing coverage.

Keywords: EN 2591-426, aerospace connector testing, contact retention system, electrical and optical connections, tensile and rotational force testing, connector durability, aerospace standards, CEN, crimp contact testing, electrical connector reliability, optical connector test methods.