Cable protection for aerospace

Cable Protection for Aerospace Applications: Reliable Protection for Cables and Wiring

In aircraft and spacecraft, electrical wiring must function reliably even under demanding conditions. It supplies systems with power, transmits control commands and connects sensors to onboard electronics. Depending on the installation location, cables and hoses may be exposed to vibration, abrasion, high temperatures, chemicals or electromagnetic interference.

The appropriate cable protection therefore depends on the specific application. Techflex offers braided sleeving, heat protection and EMI shielding sleeves as well as materials for cable bundling to meet a wide range of aerospace requirements.

What Requirements Does the Aerospace Industry Place on Cable Protection?

Near engines, protection against heat is the primary concern. In other areas, cables must be protected against abrasion, repeated movement or exposure to fluids. Data and signal cables may additionally require shielding against electromagnetic interference.

In addition to the properties of the material, the installation location, available space and maintenance requirements are also important factors. A protective sleeve must be suitable for the cable, the thermal load and the requirements of the specific project. Technical specifications should therefore be checked individually for each selected product.

Abrasion, Vibration and Temperature Fluctuations

Take-offs, landings and continuous operation place mechanical stress on cables and wiring. Vibration and movement can cause cables to rub against adjacent components. A suitable braided sleeve protects the surface of the cables while also helping to keep cable bundles together.

Temperatures can also vary considerably depending on the installation location. Areas exposed to intense heat require different materials than cables for which flexibility and abrasion protection are the primary considerations. The key is to match the protection solution to the actual operating conditions.

Heat Protection for Cables and Hoses in Engine Areas

Insultherm® AERO consists of a dense fiberglass braid with a self-extinguishing high-temperature silicone coating. The sleeve is designed to protect wiring and hoses exposed to high thermal loads and, according to the product description, complies with aerospace specification AS1072. Suitability for a specific installation situation should be assessed on the basis of the respective technical requirements.

Where resistance to chemicals is required in addition to temperature resistance, Flexo® Halar may be an option. This self-extinguishing braided sleeve is suitable for applications in which cables need protection against both heat and chemical exposure.

Flexo® PFA combines temperature and chemical resistance with low outgassing. This makes the material suitable for consideration in demanding environments where these properties play an important role in material selection.

Mechanical Protection and Secure Cable Bundling

For cables exposed to high levels of mechanical stress, Vectran® provides a high-performance fiber with high strength as well as excellent cut and abrasion resistance. Whether it is suitable for a particular installation location depends, among other factors, on the temperature and load profile at that location.

Techflex also offers Lacing Tapes in various materials and designs for bundling cables. They can be used to secure cable harnesses even where installation space is limited. The properties and specifications of the respective version are decisive when selecting the appropriate product.

EMI Shielding for Data and Signal Cables

Onboard electronics, power supplies and communication systems often operate in close proximity to one another. Electromagnetic interference can affect sensitive signals. For applications with corresponding requirements, shielded cable protection may therefore be useful.

Flexo Shield® is a lightweight, flexible braided sleeve designed for EMI shielding. It can be used to bundle and protect cables. The effectiveness of shielding within the overall system also depends on the installation method and how the shielding is connected.

Selecting the Right Cable Protection for Aerospace Applications

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