Aerospace Connectors

There is a multitude of types of aerospace electrical connectors and aircraft electrical connectors. Crimped contacts are generally used. Some of the more common are the round cannon type, the rectangular, and the module blocks. Environment resistant connectors should be used in applications subject to fluids, vibration, thermal, mechanical shock, and/or corrosive elements. When HIRF/Lightning protection is required, -special attention should be given to the terminations of individual or overall shields.

The number and complexity of wiring systems have resulted in an increased use of aircraft electrical connectors. The proper choice and application of connectors is a significant part of the aircraft wiring system. Connectors must be kept to a minimum, selected, and installed to provide the maximum degree of safety and reliability to the aircraft. For the installation of any particular connector assembly, the specification of the manufacturer or the appropriate governing agency must be followed.

SELECTION... Connectors should be selected to provide the maximum degree of safety and reliability considering electrical and environmental requirements.

consider the size, weight, tooling, logistic, maintenance support, and compatibility with standardization programs. For ease of assembly and maintenance, connectors using crimped contacts are generally chosen for all applications except those requiring an hermetic seal. (Reference SAE ARP 1308, Preferred Electrical Connectors For Aerospace vehicles and Associated Equipment.) A replacement connector of the same basic type and design as the connector it replaces should be used. With a crimp type connector for any electrical connection, the proper insertion, or extraction tool must be used to install or remove wires from such a connector. Refer to maanufacturer or aircraft instruction manual. After the connector is disconnected, inspect it for Loose soldered connections to prevent unintentional grounding. Connectors that are susceptible to corrosion difficulties may be treated with a chemically inert waterproof jelly.

Environment resistant connectors.

TYPES OF Aerospace connectors. Connectors and milaero connectors must be identified by an original identification number derived from MIL Specification (MS) or OAM specification. MS connector types.

a. Environmental Classes. Environment-resistant connectors are used in applications where they will probably be subjected to fluids, vibration, thermal, mechanical shock, corrosive elements, etc. Firewall class connectors incorporating these same features should, in addition, be able to prevent the penetration of the fire through the aircraft firewall connector opening and continue to function without failure for a specified period of time when exposed to fire. Hermetic connectors provide a pressure seal for maintaining pressurized areas. When EMI/RFI protection is required, special attention should be given to the termination of individual and overall shields. Backshell adapters designed for shield termination, connectors with conductive finishes, and EMI grounding fingers are available for this purpose.

b. Rectangular Connectors. The rectangular connectors are typically used in applications where a very large number of circuits are accommodated in a single mated pair. They are available with a great variety of contacts, which can include a mix of standard, coaxial. and large power types. Coupling is accomplished by various means. Smaller types are secured with screws which hold their flanges together. Larger ones have integral guide pins that ensure correct alignment or that both align and lock the connectors. Rack and panel connectors use integral or rack-mounted pins for alignment and box mounting hardware for couplings.

c. Module Blocks. These junctions accept crimped contacts similar to those on connectors. Some use internal busing to provide a variety of circuit arrangements.

They are useful where a number of wires are connected for power or signal distribution.