aviation cable factory

Maximizing Aviation Cable Lifespan: Essential Storage Conditions Explained

Aviation cables are critical components in aircraft systems, demanding uncompromising integrity and reliability. Proper storage is fundamental to maintaining these qualities from delivery to installation. Adherence to established standards like SAE AS23053/4 ensures cables perform as designed. Here are the essential storage conditions for aviation cable:

• ​Temperature Control:​​ Store in a cool, dry location. Maintain a ​consistent ambient temperature​ ideally between ​15°C (59°F)​​ and ​35°C (95°F)​. ​Avoid extremes.​​ Prolonged exposure to temperatures above ​70°C (158°F)​​ significantly accelerates insulation/jacket aging. Temperatures below ​​-20°C (-4°F)​​ can cause temporary stiffening and brittleness, increasing the risk of damage during handling.
• ​Humidity Management:​​ Maintain ​low humidity​ levels (typically recommended ​​< 60% RH). Use dehumidification if necessary. Store cables ​off the ground​ (on pallets, racks) and ensure excellent ​ventilation​ throughout the storage area. ​Prevent direct contact​ with concrete floors or walls prone to moisture absorption and sweating.
• ​Protection from Light:​​ Aviation cable must be shielded from all sources of ​Ultraviolet (UV) radiation​ (sunlight, fluorescent lamps). UV exposure rapidly degrades most polymer-based insulations and jackets, causing cracking, loss of flexibility, and electrical failure. Store in ​darkened rooms​ or inside ​protective, opaque packaging/covers.
• ​Avoiding Chemical Contaminants:​​ Keep cable away from ​hydrocarbon fluids​ (fuels, oils, lubricants), ​solvents, ​acids, alkalis, ozone sources (e.g., certain motors, generators), and any other potentially ​corrosive or degrading chemicals. Store cables in ​dedicated areas, separate from chemical storage or maintenance operations.
• ​Mechanical Damage Prevention:​​
  • ​Original Packaging:​​ Keep cable on ​spools or reels​ within its original factory packaging (bags, wraps) until ready for use. This protects against crushing, kinking, abrasion, and contamination.
  • ​Stacking:​​ If stacking spools/reels, ensure it’s done carefully to ​avoid excessive weight​ bearing down on lower layers, preventing deformation or crushing of cables underneath.
  • ​Handling:​​ Always ​handle spools/reels carefully.​​ Use appropriate equipment. ​Avoid dropping, dragging, or rolling cable over sharp edges. NEVER bend cable tighter than its specified minimum bend radius.​​
• ​Rotation Philosophy:​​ Implement a strict ​​”First-In, First-Out” (FIFO)​​ inventory system. This ensures older stock is used first, preventing cables from exceeding their recommended shelf life due to unavoidable slow environmental degradation processes over time.

​Key Takeaway:​​ By rigorously controlling temperature, humidity, light exposure, chemical contact, and physical stress during storage, you safeguard the critical properties of aviation cable. This directly translates to enhanced aircraft safety, reliability, and operational longevity. Always refer to the cable manufacturer’s specific recommendations and relevant specifications (e.g., SAE AS23053/4, MIL-DTL-27500) for detailed guidance on storage life and environmental limits.