BS EN 3475-604:2018

What is BS EN 3475-604 - Resistance to dry arc propagation about ?

BS EN 3475-604 is a European standard that specifies a method for appraising the behaviour of cable insulation when an electric arc is initiated and maintained by two (2) powered cables rubbing against a blade. 

BS EN 3475-604 shall be used together with EN 3475-100. 

The primary aim of this test is: 

• To produce, in a controlled fashion, continuous failure effects which are representative of those which may occur in service when a typical cable bundle is damaged by abrasion such that electrical arcing occurs, both between cables and between cables and conductive structure
• To examine the aptitude of the insulation to track, to propagate electric arc to the electrical origin 

Originally defined for 115 Vac network, this test also proposes conditions for 230 Vac network. Unless otherwise specified in product standard, only 115 Vac conditions shall be satisfied. 

Six (6) levels of prospective fault current have been specified for concerned cable sizes (see Clause 7). It is generally agreed that larger sizes need not be assessed since the short-circuit phenomenon becomes dominant at low line impedances. 

Unless otherwise specified in the technical/product standard sizes 002, 006 and 020 cable shall be assessed. 

Who is BS EN 3475-604 - Resistance to dry arc propagation for ? 

BS EN 3475-604 on resistance to dry arc tracking is applicable for: 

• Manufacturers of aerospace electrical cables 
• Quality control personnel for aircrafts 
• Aircraft manufacturers 
• Aerospace avionic electrical and fibre optic technology 
• Spacecraft and space products manufacturers 
• Aerospace and defence industries  
• Quality control personnel of electrical cables 

Why should you use BS EN 3475-604 - Resistance to dry arc propagation ?

The dry arc-propagation resistance test for wire insulation also provides an assessment of the ability of an insulator to prevent damage in an electrical arc environment. 

The dry arc resistance test assesses the ability of insulation to prevent damage during an electrical arcing event. 

BS EN 3475-604 provides you with the guidelines on preparing test specimens and testing procedures of dry arc resistance for preventing damage. 

BS EN 3475-604 covers all the quality control requirements for electrical cables. It creates a standardized approach for manufacturers of electrical cables that they need to adhere to if they supply their electrical cables to the aerospace and defence industries. 

By adopting BS EN 3475-604, manufacturers can demonstrate the reliability of their electrical cables and build trust in their use throughout the aerospace supply chain.