SIST EN 2591-404:2001

Overview

EN 2591-404:1998 - Aerospace series - Elements of electrical and optical connection - Test methods - Part 404: Transverse load is a CEN standard that defines a method to assess the ability of electrical and optical connection elements to withstand transverse (lateral) loads without suffering mechanical or electrical damage. The part is intended to be applied together with the general EN 2591 series requirements and is focused on connector integrity under side-load conditions typically encountered in aerospace environments.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Test method for transverse loading of electrical and optical connection elements to determine resistance to lateral forces.
• Specimen coverage: Applies to electrical plugs, sockets, contacts, pin and socket arrangements, and optical interfaces as used in aerospace equipment (as identified in EN 2591).
• Test objective: Demonstrate that connectors and connection elements maintain mechanical integrity and electrical/optical performance when subjected to transverse forces.
• Acceptance criteria (qualitative): No mechanical damage, retention of contact engagement, and preservation of electrical continuity or optical signal performance within specified limits after loading.
• Test procedure elements (general, non‑numeric): correct mounting and fixturing of specimens, controlled application of transverse load, monitoring of mechanical behavior, and inspection/measurement of electrical and optical performance before and after the test.
• Documentation and reporting: Record test conditions, specimen identification, applied loads, observations of deformation or damage, and results of electrical/optical measurements.

(Note: EN 2591-404:1998 specifies method principles; specific load magnitudes, durations and pass/fail thresholds are defined by contract, part-specific requirements, or companion EN 2591 documents.)

Applications

• Design validation: Verify connector designs resist lateral forces experienced during handling, installation, vibration events, or misalignment.
• Qualification testing: Support component qualification for aerospace platforms and compliance with procurement requirements.
• Production and QA: Provide a reproducible method for lot acceptance, batch testing or periodic verification of connector robustness.
• Failure analysis: Recreate transverse stress conditions to investigate field failures or maintenance issues.

Who uses this standard

• Aerospace connector manufacturers and component designers
• Aircraft and spacecraft OEMs and systems integrators
• Independent test laboratories and certification bodies
• Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) organizations
• Procurement and quality assurance teams defining acceptance criteria

Related standards

• EN 2591 (other parts) - general series covering elements of electrical and optical connection and complementary test methods
• National adoptions and translations (e.g., SIST EN 2591-404)

Keywords: EN 2591-404:1998, transverse load test, aerospace connectors, electrical and optical connection, test methods, CEN standard, connector qualification, aerospace testing.