Wiring Do's & Do Not's

[Bayou Bert]

Where can I find a "Rule Book" on correct wiring?
Things like, rubber or plastic grommets in a bulk head to run wires through.
In my fuselage, one I bought, the wires from the empennage run on the
bottom of the fuselage. Plastic snap rings in the bulkheads, but they are
Just laying on the bottom skin with no attachment to anything to hold them.
Is that ok? I don't feel like it is, but don't know what is proper.
I have AeroElectric Connection, but it does not talk about that kind of stuff.
I would appreciate any direction on where to learn this kind of detail.

[Walt]

AC 43-13, Chapter 11

[N804RV]

Originally Posted by Walt

AC 43-13, Chapter 11

AC43.13, Chap 11 is the bible. Paragraph 11-96 addresses some of your concerns. However, it is open to much interpretation.

Avotek's "Aircraft Wiring and Electrical Installation" gives you a little more. But, some of the best learning you'll get is to go look at proper aircraft wiring. If you can go look in the avionics bay of a 777, what you've read in AC43.13 and the Avotek book would instantly make sense. Short of that, if there's an aviation museum or aircraft static display in your area, go have a look. Take pictures!

[larrynew]

Originally Posted by N804RV

Short of that, if there's an aviation museum or aircraft static display in your area, go have a look. Take pictures!

Some of my most valuable learning time was spent just looking at wiring of GA aircraft under repair at a local avionics shop.

[N804RV]

Originally Posted by larrynew

Some of my most valuable learning time was spent just looking at wiring of GA aircraft under repair at a local avionics shop.

At one time, I did electrical and avionics troubleshooting and repair for several flying club aircraft. I even did some fairly extensive panel upgrades, including a couple of IFR GPS installations.

Unfortunately, what I saw of the existing wiring in those airplanes was often very good examples of "what-not-to-do".

[tmbg]

Originally Posted by N804RV

At one time, I did electrical and avionics troubleshooting and repair for several flying club aircraft. I even did some fairly extensive panel upgrades, including a couple of IFR GPS installations.

Unfortunately, what I saw of the existing wiring in those airplanes was often very good examples of "what-not-to-do".

You mean you're not supposed to just cut the old harness off and leave it in place?!

[larrynew]

Originally Posted by N804RV

Unfortunately, what I saw of the existing wiring in those airplanes was often very good examples of "what-not-to-do".

"What-not-to-do" was definitely some of what I learned looking at GA wiring, but it did help to know that "less-than-textbook-perfect" could be functional for 40+ years.

I never did find that one good reference source that I suspect the OP is looking for. It would be tough to write because of all the different ways to do things but I bet The Illustrated Guide To Wiring Your Experimental Airplane would sell well.

[tmbg]

Originally Posted by larrynew

"What-not-to-do" was definitely some of what I learned looking at GA wiring, but it did help to know that "less-than-textbook-perfect" could be functional for 40+ years.

I never did find that one good reference source that I suspect the OP is looking for. It would be tough to write because of all the different ways to do things but I bet The Illustrated Guide To Wiring Your Experimental Airplane would sell well.

"The Aeroelectric Connection" isn't far off...

[mike newall]

Originally Posted by tmbg

You mean you're not supposed to just cut the old harness off and leave it in place?!

We did a simple Christen Eagle some years ago.

Strip down, sort out, rewire.

I fetched a birds nest of wires out from - progressive installs that was a full 2 feet in diameter !

[larrynew]

Originally Posted by Bayou Bert

Where can I find a "Rule Book" on correct wiring? I have AeroElectric Connection, but it does not talk about that kind of stuff. I would appreciate any direction on where to learn this kind of detail.

Bert,

I successfully finished my wiring recently after starting with zero experience. It was a very steep learning curve. I never did find a "Rule Book". Here's where I learned what I needed to know, in no particular order of importance.

• AC43.13
• Aeroelectric Connection (their website was a much better source of illustrations. The book has lots of good theory but not many pictures or specs that show what's a good crimp and other things we need to know)
• EAA How-To videos
• VAF
• RV websites
• Google search for "aircraft wiring" and other similar search terms. Both web and image search
• Manufacturer's website documentation (The companies of the products you're buying often have specs on what's proper. I think AMP or now TE Connectivity has quite a bit)
• Looking at RVs under construction
• Looking at GA aircraft under repair at an avionics shop
• Talking to an experimental friendly avionics tech
• Van's electrical system preview plans and instructions
• Documentation and instructions from the systems you're installing (Vertical Power was especially good)
• Youtube
• B&C Electrical and Stein's websites are a good source for the smaller list of what others are using and buying. I purchased from both. The big websites like Digikey and Mouser have too many millions of items.