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Recent News

EWIS RAT Patented!

Lectromec recently received notification that the EWIS RAT and associated technologies have received a patent through the US Patent Office.

Lectromec looks forward to advancing these technologies to provide increased analysis capabilities for both new and existing aircraft systems.

NEW Arc Track Testers Now Available

Lectromec now has available the LEC1001 Six Station Wet Arc track test system. Click here to find out more.

Lectromec at the Aging Aircraft Conference

Lectromec presented a paper at the 2009 Aging Aircraft Conference on "Arcing Damage to Aircraft Components and Wire at a Distance". This will be posted on here within the next month.

DelTest(TM)

The aim of the DelTest(TM) is to provide the customer with scientific data as to the current condition (level of insulation breach) of aircraft wiring. This test is effective for both exposed and laced or Nomex covered bundles. The DelTest(TM) is a patented, proprietary, non-destructive test developed and administered by Lectromec Design Co. to assist aircraft operators with wire management and preventative maintenance programs. The test result data can be used as a management tool to determine rectification, schedule and prioritize maintenance and target specific problem areas for wire husbandry education.

We recommend that the DelTest(TM) be performed by Lectromec personnel in conjunction with a maintenance or electrical representative provided by the customer. The DelTest(TM) is often carried out during scheduled aircraft maintenance checks when many of the test areas are already exposed. The DelTest(TM) is an extremely complete check of wiring including wire contained in the center and hidden sides of bundles. It is for this reason that the DelTest(TM) is far superior to traditional visual inspection methods. In fact, Lectromec has found that more than 75% of total breaks in insulation are not detectable by traditional visual methods. Visual inspection still plays a valuable role in selecting test zones and serves as a supplemental practice to the DelTest(TM), to document for instance improper maintenance practices (wires, clamps, splices, ties, etc).

The DelTest(TM) is a relatively inexpensive method to effectively determine or verify the condition of wire insulation in suspected trouble zones within the aircraft. The DelTest(TM) has a proven success record in helping operators discover both potential problems as well as wire which remains in good condition. Lectromec can conduct tests using other available equipment such as circuit analyzers and TDR technology to supplement the DelTest(TM). Lectromec's broad collection of knowledge and experience with the latest wire evaluation equipment can assist operators in understanding their wiring requirements and subsequently selecting and implementing the correct technologies for their specific needs.

Military Organizations

The DelTest(TM) can used to evaluate the conditions of newly delivered wire bundles or those from an in-service aircraft. For those specialty wire harnesses for designed for aircraft, missile systems, or any other system, the DelTest(TM) can improve incoming product reliability by flagging those harnesses with existing insulation failures. In the case of an in-service aircraft fleet, selected in-house DelTesting can be performed on selected wire bundles to determine those in the greatest need of replacement or repair. Lectromec's experienced staff can help with the development of targeted program that minimizes the cost and downtime of the fleet.

Harness Manufacturers

The DelTest(TM) can add value and reliability to the end products that you deliver to your customers. Whether as an optional line item provided to your customer as part of the bid process, or a continuous part of your product development, the DelTest(TM) can provide an added layer of reliability to your harnesses.

The Need

On active aircraft, it is common to find breaches or cracks in wiring insulation. These breaches are especially prevalent in older aircraft. Insulation deterioration occurs for several reasons including exposure to temperature, strain, water or physical damage. The aircraft may continue to operate normally with these breaches. However, under certain circumstances not uncommon to active aircraft, these breaches can lead to spurious signals, noise and electrical arcing which in turn may result in avionics and equipment malfunctions, damage to the aircraft or personnel, in-flight fires or an incident or accident. The risk of these negative effects may be minimized or eliminated by detection and repair or rewire of the harness.

Field Results from DelTest Use

Lectromec participated in the recent FAA sponsored Intrusive Inspections of six newly retired commercial airplanes. Approximately, fourteen harnesses were tested on each comprising all different wire types, functions, sizes, capacity and locations. Lectromec used its DelTest(TM), in-situ, to detect any instance of broken insulation.

A visual inspection team inspected the same harnesses separately. Lectromec found approximately 60 instances of damaged wiring insulation on the six aircraft. The harnesses tested were removed from the aircraft and sent to a lab for verification. The 60 finds were all verified in a laboratory. Of the 60 finds, the trained visual inspection team only detected two.