SIST EN 3475-510:2004

Overview

SIST EN 3475-510:2004 is a CEN/AECMA aerospace standard that specifies a procedure to determine the tensile strength and elongation of extruded insulation, sheath and jacket materials used on aircraft electrical cables. The test method is intended to support material qualification, production quality control and verification of mechanical performance for cable components. This Part 510 is to be used together with EN 3475-100 (general test method requirements).

Key Topics

• Scope and application: Applies to extruded insulation, sheath and jacket materials on aircraft cables. Intended for use in conjunction with EN 3475-100.
• Specimen preparation: Use a dumb-bell (dog-bone) specimen where cable geometry allows; otherwise use a tubular sample. When the outer surface is smooth and round, cut the cable along the conductor axis and stamp out the specimen along that axis. For uneven jackets, cut specimens in the wire direction. Tubular samples are obtained by removing non-tested components; stretching the conductor can ease removal.
• Cross-section determination: For dumb-bell specimens, calculate cross-section from specimen width and minimum thickness between reference marks. For tubular samples, calculate cross-section from mean external diameter and mean wall thickness, or determine it by weighing and using the material density together with sample length.
• Apparatus: Tensile testing machine, cutting tool for dumb-bell specimens, and an analytical balance (accuracy ±0.1 mg) are specified.
• Test method: Two reference marks are placed 10 mm apart to measure elongation at break. Tests are performed at ambient temperature. The standard specifies a pulling speed of (250 ± 50) mm/min unless the product standard states otherwise. Samples that fail at the clamps with markedly lower values are excluded from evaluation.
• Acceptance criteria: The mean values of a minimum of four tests shall meet the values specified in the applicable product standard.

Applications

This test method is practical for:

• Material qualification for extruded insulation, sheath and jacket materials used in aerospace cable assemblies.
• Production quality control (QC) to ensure consistent tensile strength and elongation properties across batches.
• Design verification where mechanical performance of cable coverings affects reliability and safety.
• Supplier assessment and acceptance testing when demonstrating compliance to aerospace product requirements.

Key benefits include repeatable tensile testing procedures, clear specimen-preparation guidance, and methods to calculate cross-sectional area for irregular geometries.

Related Standards

• EN 3475-100 - General test methods for aerospace electrical cables (to be used together with Part 510).
• Other EN 3475 series documents cover additional electrical cable test methods and product standards for aerospace applications.

For implementers, following SIST EN 3475-510:2004 helps ensure repeatable, auditable tensile and elongation testing for extruded cable materials and supports compliance with aerospace material and cable product requirements.