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Certification and Implementation of Airborne Arc Fault Circuit Breakers

FAA 2nd Annual EAPAS Conference. Certification and Implementation of Airborne Arc Fault Circuit Breakers. Presented by Stephen Slotte FAA Transport Standards Staff. Background. Aging Systems R,E & D FAA R,E,&D Intrusive Inspections Arc Fault Circuit Breaker Development

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Certification and Implementation of Airborne Arc Fault Circuit Breakers

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  1. FAA 2nd Annual EAPAS Conference Certification and Implementation of Airborne ArcFault Circuit Breakers Presented by Stephen Slotte FAA Transport Standards Staff

  2. Background • Aging Systems R,E & D • FAA R,E,&D • Intrusive Inspections • Arc Fault Circuit Breaker Development • Interconnect System Testing and Assessment • Inspection and Testing Technology Development

  3. Background:Arc Faults • Present aircraft circuit breakers are designed to protect against overloads and short circuits. • Arcing faults draw less current than hard faults and are intermittent in duration. • Arcing faults can cause systems failures and fires.

  4. Background:Wire Degradation • Wiring insulation degradation increases with time due to a variety of reasons such as: • Chaffing • Environmental stresses • Maintenance. • Degradation varies due to design, maintenance, and operational differences

  5. During flight the crew had to cut into this ceiling area to put fire out. BAGGAGE BINS ABOVE ROW 6 & 7

  6. Background:Current Inspection Technology • Current inspection and surveillance methods for aircraft wiring are limited in effectiveness and periodic in frequency. • Arc Fault Circuit Breakers provide continuous protection.

  7. FAA Approach • Develop certification criteria compatible and in parallel with SAE activity • TSO, based on SAE developed AFCB Specification • Installation Advisory Circular • Be ready to issue TSO and AC at the completion of initial SAE activity scheduled for January, 2003

  8. Realities of New Technologies • The FAA is committed to expedite airborne AFCB technology. However... • Learning curve associated with certification of new technology • Expect initial projects to be scrutinized more than a standard STC • Initial AFCB projects by Issue Paper process

  9. Major Installation Issues • Common Causes of Nuisance Trips • Load Characteristics • Crosstalk (e.g.EMI, Lightning, adjacent wiring) • Feedback (parallel circuits) • Fault Masking • Algorithm Dependent • Post Trip Maintenance • May need NDT in addition to visual

  10. Current Status • Current FAA certification of AFCBs for non-essential circuits • SAE AFCB specification nearing completion • TSO and AC in development • Issue Papers • Project Specific • Document means of compliance until TSO and AC published

  11. AFCB Issue Paper • Underlying Certification Philosophy • Provide a path for manufacturers to install AFCBs on a non-interference basis for purposes of gathering data • Limit AFCB installation to non-essential systems until adequate service history data can demonstrate proper function and reliability • Limit AFCB installation on critical circuits such that continued safe flight and landing can be achieved given an assumed common-mode nuisance trip

  12. AFCBs- Summary • Potential benefits • Protection against internal wire bundle arc fault damage • Minimize wiring related smoke and fire incidents • Minimize common mode wire bundle failures • Possible risks • Nuisance trips • Post trip diagnosis issues

  13. Point of Contact • Brett Portwood • Los Angeles ACO • 3960 Paramount BoulevardANM-130LLakewood, CA 90712 • 562.627.5350 • brett.portwood@faa.gov

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