BS EN 3475-603:2018

What is BS EN 3475-603 - Resistance to wet arc tracking about ?

BS EN 3475-603 is a European Standard that specifies a method of assessing the behaviour of cable insulation subject to an electric arc initiated and maintained by contaminating fluid along the surface of the insulation. 

BS EN 3475-603 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 and subjected to aqueous fluid contamination. Electrical arcing occurs along the surface of the insulation between damaged sites on adjacent cables 
• 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. 

Who is BS EN 3475-603 - Resistance to wet arc tracking for ? 

BS EN 3475-603 on resistance to wet 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 3475-603 - Resistance to wet arc tracking ?  

Wet arc tracking is a specific type of arc tracking that occurs when leakage currents originated on a wet insulating surface can vaporize its moisture, forming dry spots, which offer a high resistance path to the flow of the electric current. 

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

BS EN 3475-603 provides you with the guidelines on preparing test specimens and testing procedures of wet arc resistance for preventing damage. 

BS EN 3475-603 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 for use by the aerospace and defence industries. 

By adopting BS EN 3475-603, manufacturers can demonstrate the reliability of their electrical cables and build trust in their use throughout the aerospace supply chain.