AC 43.13-1A

Historical

Advisory circular · Acceptable Methods, Techniques, and Practices - Aircraft Inspection and Repair

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 43.13-1B CHG 1 Ed Update is the version in force, approved September 27, 2001.
Approved
January 1, 1972
Last reviewed
June 11, 2024
Cancels
AC43.13-1
Cancelled by
AC43.13-1A CHG 1
Family
AC 43.13-1 · 7 versions
Revision
A
14 CFR parts
43
Cited by
95 ADs

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 228–239
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Page 198 AC 43.13-1A 1972

STANDARD AN 3106 CLASS TYPE NUMBER SIZE

INSERT ARRANGEMENT NUMBER

CONTACT STYLE

INSERT ROTATION FIGURE 11.22.-AN connector marking.

•. Number 4 indicates a certain arrangement of contacts; however, this number does not indicate the number of contacts. Manufacturers of connectors provide charts giving diagrams of the various contact arrangements.

f. Letter (s) indicates contact style. This letter may be either a (P) or (S) which indicates whether the contacts are pins or sockets.

g. A letter may or may not follow the contact ture connector, rectangular shell connector, connectors with short body shells or of split shell construction used in applications where potting is required.

482. POTTING COMPOUNDS, Potting compounds meeting Specification MIL-S-8516 are prepared in ready-to-use tube-type dispensers, or in the unmixed state consisting of the base compound and accelerator packed in paired

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AC 43.13-1A 1972 to the base compound and includes the time expended during the mixing and application processes. Mixed compounds that are not to be used immediately must be cooled and thawed quickly to avoid wasting the short working life. Chilled compounds should be thawed by blowing compressed air over the outside of the container, Normally the compound will be ready for use in 5 to 10 minutes.

CAUTION Do not use heat or blow compressed air into the container when restoring to working tempersture.

483. POTTING CONNECTORS. Connectors that have been potted primarily offer protection against concentration of moisture in the SPARE SPARE

FILL ALL SPARE

CONTACTS WITH

MAXIMUM SIZE WIRES Page 199 connectors. A secondary benefit of potting is the reduced possibility of breakage between the contact and wire due to vibration.

Solder wires to all contacts of the connector prior to the application of the potting compound, Wires that are not to be used should be long enough to permit splicing at a later date.

Identify the wires not used as shown in figure

11.28 and cap the cut ends with potting compound prior to securing to the wire bundle.

After the soldering operation, scrape off the resin and wash the connector with clean stoddard solvent, brushing vigorously. Rinse the areas to be potted with methylene chloride and complete the potting operation within 2 hours after this cleaning. Allow the potting com-

- IDENTIFY SPARE WIRES

WITH CODE LETTER TO

CORRESPOND WITH CONTACT

Page 242 · 200OCROpen in PDF

pound to cure for 24 hours at a room temperature of 70° to 75° F. or carefully place in a drying oven at 100° F. for 3 to 4 hours.

484. THROUGH BOLTS. Through bolts are sometimes used to make feeder connections through bulkheads, fuselage skin, or firewalls. Mount through bolts in such a manner that they are mechanically secure and independent of the terminal nuts. Provide sufficient cross section to insure adequate conductivity against overheating and enough contact area to minimize voltage drop. Mechanically secure such bolts independent of the terminal mounting nuts, taking particular care to avoid dissimilar metals among the terminal hardware. During inspection, pay particular attention to the condition of the insulator plate or spacer and the insulating boot that covers the completed terminal assembly.

485. TERMINAL STRIPS. Wires are usually joined AC 43.13-1A 1972 at terminal strips. Use a terminal strip fitted with barriers to prevent the terminals on adjacent studs from contacting each other. Studs must be anchored against rotation. When more than four terminals are to be connected together, use two or more adjacent studs and mount a small metal bus across the studs. In all cases, the current is to be carried by the terminal contact surfaces and not by the stud itself. Replace defective studs with studs of the same size and material as terminal strip studs of the smaller sizes may shear due to overtightening the nut. Assure that the replacement stud is securely mounted in the terminal strip and that the terminal securing nut is tight.

Mount terminal strips in such a manner that loose metallic objects cannot fall across the terminals or studs. It is good practice to provide at least one spare stud for future circuit expansion, or in case a stud is broken.

486.-496. RESERVED.

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AC 43.13-1A Page 201 1972 Section 6. CONDUITS

497. GENERAL, Conduit is available in metallic and nonmetallic materials and in both rigid and flexible form. Primarily, its purpose is for mechanical protection of the wire within, although some radio interference shielding may be provided.

498. SIZE OF CONDUIT, When selecting conduit size for a specific wire bundle application, it ia common practice to allow for ease in maintenance and possible future circuit expansion by specifying the conduit inner diameter about 25 percent larger than the maximum diameter of the wire bundle. The nominal diameter of rigid metallic conduit is the O.D. Therefore, to obtain the I.D., subtract twice the tube wall thickness.

499. CONDUIT FITTINGS, From the abrasion standpoint, conduit is vulnerable at its ends.

Affix suitable fittings to conduit ends in such manner that a smooth surface comes in contact with wire within. When fittings are not used, flare the end of the conduit to prevent wire insulation damage. Support the conduit using clamps along the conduit run.

as much a8 80 percent of the tube area. Minimum acceptable tube bend radii for rigid conduit is shown in figure 11.24. Kinked or wrinkled bends in rigid conduits are not considered acceptable. Tubing bends that have been flattened into an ellipse and the minor diameter is less than 75 percent of the nominal tubing diameter is not considered satisfactory because the tube area will have been reduced at least 10 percent. Carefully deburr tubing that has been formed and cut to final length to prevent wire insulation damage. When installing replacement tube sections with fittings at both ends, exercise care to eliminate mechanical strain.

502. FLEXIBLE CONDUIT. Flexible aluminum conduit conforming to Specification MIL-C-6186 is available in two types; Type I, Bare Flexible Conduit, and Type II, Rubber Covered Flexible Conduit. Flexible brass conduit conforming to Specification MIL-C-7981 is available and normally used instead of flexible aluminum where necessary to minimize radio interference. Flexible conduit may be used where it is impractical to use rigid conduit such as areas that have

500. CONDUIT INSTALLATION. Many of the past troubles with conduit can be avoided by proper Nominal Minimum bond attention to the following details: 1408 O.D. rodil (inches)

a. Do not locate conduit where passengers or maintenance personnel might use it as a handhold or footstep.

b. Provide drainholes at the lowest point in a conduit run. Drilling burrs should be carefully removed.

c. Support conduit to prevent chafing against structure and to avoid stressing its end fittings.

301. RIGID CONDUIT. Repair conduit sections that have been damaged to preclude injury to the wires or wire bundle which may consume FIoURE 11.24.-Bend radii for rigid condult.

Chap 11 Par 497

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Pergo 202 motion between conduit ends or where complex bends are necessary. The use of transparent adhesive tape is recommended when cutting flexible tubing with a hacksaw to minimize fraying of the braid. Center the tape over the eut reference mark and saw through the tape.

AC 43.73-TA 1972 After cutting the flexible conduit, remove the transparent tape, trim the frayed ends of the braid, remove burrs from inside the conduit, and install coupling nut and ferrule. Minimum acceptable bending radii for flexible conduit is shown in fgure 11.25.

FIGURE 11.25.-Minimum bending radii for flexible aluminum or brass conduit.

Nominal I.D. Minimum bending of conduit radise ineido (Imohes) (Imoice)

393.-513. RESERVED.

Per 502 Chap 11

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AC 43.13-1А Page 203 1972 Section 7. ROUTING, TYING, LACING, AND CLAMPING

514. GENERAL. Route and support aircrait wiring and conduits to prevent relative movement within the aircraft and provide protection against chafing between wires or other objects.

Provide extra protection where wires or wire bundles may be subjected to rough handling.

Soft insulation tubing is not regarded as satisfactory mechanical protection against abrasion or considered a substitute for proper clamping or tying. Secure all wiring so it is electrically and mechanically sound and neat in appearance.

515. WIRE BEND RADII. A wire bundle consists of a quantity of wires fastened or secured together-all traveling in the same direction.

Wire bundles may consist of two or more groups of wires. It is often advantageous to have a number of wire groups individually tied within the wire bundle for ease of identity at a later date, as shown in figure 11.26. To improve the appearance and to minimize the possibility of insulation abrasion, comb wire groups and bundles so the wires lie parallel to each other. A combing tool similar to that shown in figure 11.27 may be made from any suitable insulating material, taking care to assure all edges are rounded to protect the wire insulation. Bends in wire groups or bundles should not be less than 10 times the outside diameter of the wire group or bundle. However, a bend 8 times the diameter is acceptable to facilitate connections to terminal strips,

BUNDLE TIE GROUP TIE BUNDLE TIE

- 118- "APPROX. 3" FIGURE 11.27.-Comb for straightening wires in bundles.

provided the wire group or bundle is supported at each end of the bend.

516. SLACK. Normally, wire groups or bundles should not exceed 1/2 inch deflection between support points, as shown in figure 11.28. This measurement may be exceeded provided there is no possibility of the wire group or bundle touching a surface which may cause abrasion.

o. Provide sufficient slack at each end to:

(1) Permit replacement of terminals;

(2) Prevent mechanical strain on wires;

(3) Permit shifting of equipment for maintenance purposes.

517. ROUTING WIRES. In the process of accom- FIGURE 11.26.-Group and bundle ties. plishing an aircraft repair, it is often neces- Chap 11 Par 514

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Page 204 AC 43.12-14 1972 1/2 INCH MAXIMUM

WITH NORMAL HAND PRESSURE FIGURE 11.28.-Slack between supports.

sary or desirable to reroute a group or bundle of wire. When it is necessary to deviate from the routing used by the manufacturer, consider the following:

o. Chafing. Protect wires or wire groups against chafing or abrasion where contact with other wires or sharp surfaces would damage the insulation. When a wire bundle passes through a hole in a bulkhead, support as shown in figure 11.9. Insert a grommet if a wire passes within 1/4 inch of the hole edge, as shown in figure 11.10.

b. Protection Against Battery Acids, Solvents, and Fluids. It is not advisable to route wires below & battery or closer than 6 inches from the bilge of the fuselage. Protect wires that will be exposed to damage from fluids by an outer sleeving of plastic tubing, as shown in figure 11.29. Extend the plastic tubing well beyond the area of exposure and provide a 1/8- inch drainhole at the lowest point. Assure the wire insulation is not damaged when cutting the hole in the plastic. Frequently inspect wires exposed to battery acid or fluids and replace when the insulation jacket shows signs of discoloration or saturation by fluids.

c. Protection in Wheel Wells and Landing Gear Areas. Wires located on landing gear and in the wheel well area can be exposed to many hazardous conditions if not suitably protected. Encase all wiring attached to a landing gear or located in the wheel well areas in conduit or protect by sleeves of flexible tubing and secure to prevent relative movement. Where wire bun- Par 517 DRAINAGE HOLE 1/8 INCH DIAMETER AT LOWEST POINT IN TUBING. MAKE THE

HOLE AFTER INSTALLATION IS COMPLETE

AND LOWEST POINT IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED FIGURE 11.28.-Drainage hole in low point of tubing.

des pass fiex points, there should be no strain on attachments or excessive slack when parts are fully extended or retracted. Inspect the wiring and protective tubing frequently and replace at the first sign of wear.

d. Protection Against Personnel and Cargo. Install wiring so the structure affords protection against its use as a handhold and damage from cargo. Where the structure does not afford adequate protection, use conduit or provide a suitable mechanical guard.

e. Protection Against High Temperature. Wire insulation deteriorates rapidly when subjected Chap 11

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AC 43.13-1A 1972 to high temperatures. Insulate wires that must be run through hot areas with a material such as asbestos, fiberglass or equivalent high temperature-resistant product. Wherever possible, keep wires separated from high-temperature equipment; and when replacing wires, do not use low-temperature insulated wires to replace high-temperature insulated wires.

f. Wiring Precoutions. Maintain a minimum clearance of 8 inches from any control cable.

When this clearance cannot be maintained, install a mechanical guard. When wiring is run parallel to combustible fluid or oxygen lines, maintain as much separation as possible. Locate wires above or on a level with the fluid lines and, wherever possible, maintain a minimum separation of 6 inches. Where the separation is 1/2 inch to 2 inches, install clamps as shown in figure 11.30 to maintain separation.

These clamps are not to be used as a means of supporting the wire bundle. Install additional clamps to support the wire bundle and fasten the clamps to the same structure used to support the fluid line to prevent relative motion.

Maintain a minimum separation of at least 1/2 inch between plumbing lines and any wire.

518. CLAMPING. Support wires and wire bundies using clamps meeting Specification MS-21919. Exercise care to assure the wire is FIGURE 11.80.-Separation of wires from plumbing lines, Chap 11 Page 205 not pinched when installing clamps to support electrical wiring as shown in figures 11.31 through 11.84. Whenever practical, rest the back of the clamp against a structural member. Install clamps in such manner that the electrical wires do not come in contact with other parts of the aircraft when subjected to vibration. Leave sufficient slack between the last clamp and the electrical equipment to prevent strain at the terminal and to minimize adverse effects on shockmounted equipment.

Where wires or wire bundles pass through bulkheads or other structural members, provide a grommet or suitable clamp to prevent abrasion.

519. TIES AND LACING. Ties, lacing, and straps are used to secure wire groups or bundles, to provide ease of maintenance, inspection, and installation. Cord meeting Specification MIL-C-5649 and twine meeting Specification JAM-T-718 are suitable for lacing or tying wires. In lieu of applying ties, straps meeting Specification MS-17821 or MS-17822 may be used in areas where the temperature does not exceed 120° C. or where the wiring can be damaged by operating units if the strap fails.

a. Lacing. Lace wire groups or bundles inside junction boxes or other enclosures. Single cord-lacing method shown in figure 11.35 may be used for wire groups or bundles 1 inch in diameter or less. The recommended knot for starting the single cord-lacing method is a clove hitch secured by a double-looped overhand knot as shown in step "a" of figure 11.85. Use the double cord-lacing method on wire bundles 1 inch in diameter or larger as shown in figure

11.86. When using the double cord-lacing method, employ a bowline on a bight as the starting knot. Reference step "a" of figure

11.36.

b. Tying. Use wire group or bundle ties where the supports for the wire are more than 12 inches apart. A tie consists of a clove hitch around the wire group or bundle secured by a square knot as shown in figure 11.87.

520.-530. RESERVED.

Par 517

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Робро 206 AC 42.13-14 1972

DANGEROUS ANGLES MAX. ·50

SAFE ANGLES FIGURE 11.81.-Safe angle for cable clamps.

MS 21919

CABLE CLAMP OR

EQUIVALENT AN 5I5 SCREW AN 960 AN 960

PLAIN WASHER, PLAIN WASHER, AN 9368

LOCKWASHER, AN 935 EXTERNAL TEETH AN 365 NUT, LOCKWASHER, AN 340 NUT SELF-LOCKING SPLIT FIGURE 11.82.-Typical mounting hardware for MS-2019 cable clamps.

Par 519 Chap 11

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AC 43.13-1A Page 207 :1972 MS 21919 CABLE CLAMPS

STRUCTUA "ANGLE" MEMBER "Z" MEMBER AN 730

CORRECT CLAMP

ANGLE BRACKET MS 21919

CABLE CLAMP Ot

EQUIVALENT FIGURE 11.84.-Installing cable clamps to tubular structure.

WIRE IS PINCHED IN CLAMP

INCORRECT FIGURE 11.88.-Installing cable clamp to structure.

Par 519 Chap 11

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Pao 208 AC 43.13-1A 1973

PULL HERE UNTIL TIGHT

BEFORE FINISHING KNOT

CORD CROSSES

UNDER LOOS STEP • - STARTING KNOT

FINAL KNOT

STARTING KNOT

TIGHTENED

STEP & - INTERMEDIATE HALF HITCHES

FIRST PART OF FINAL STEP c - (PART I) KNOT TIGHTENED TRIM TO 3/8" MIN STEP € - (PART II) FINAL KNOT PIGURE 11.85.- -Single cord lacing.

Par 519 Chap 11

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Chap 11 Par $31 the weight of pure water. 75° F.

the weight of the electrolyte as compared to electrolyte will freeze at approximately minus the battery electrolyte. The specific gravity is charged and discharged state. However, the hydrometer to determine the specific gravity of ciable chemical change takes place between the

535. CHECKING LEAD-ACID BATTERIES. Use a not as susceptible to freezing because no appreaction. Nickel-cadmium battery electrolyte is the addition of distilled water. constant discharge due to the internal chemical electrolyte is returned to the cell from which it its useful life and replacement should be con- was extracted. When a specific gravity differ- electrolyte is 1.244. Take care to assure the the corrected specific gravity reading of the sidered. Electrolyte level may be adjusted by battery, the battery is approaching the end of ence of 0.050 or more eixsts between cells of a posed to cold temperatures are subject to plate mind that lead-acid batteries are subject to a prevent freeze damage, maintain the specific freezing point of electrolyte for various specific damage due to freezing of the electrolyte. The 533. BATTERY FREEZING. Lead-acid batteries ex- gravity levels is shown in figure 11.38. To gravity at a reasonably high level, bearing in established for battery electrolyte. Therefore, trolyte is 40° F. or 16 points below the norm turer as to the proper charging voltage limits.

reading is 1.260; the temperature of the elec- the recommendations of the battery manufacin figure 11.89. As an example, the hydrometer per cell found satisfactory. In all cases, follow applied to the hydrometer indication as shown construction with values of 1.4 and 1.5 volts readings, a temperature correction should be charging voltage limit varies with design and However, to determine precise specific gravity the case of nickel-cadmium batteries, the about 1.200 when tested by a hydrometer. voltage per cell should not exceed 2.85 volts. In battery will show a specific gravity reading of within the battery. For lead-acid batteries, the battery reads about 1.240 and a 2/3 discharged rate at which energy is absorbed as heat is between 1.275 and 1.300. A 1/3 discharged bient temperature and state of charge) the fully charged when the specific gravity reading cant, since this will determine (for a given amfactured lead-acid batteries are considered number of cells in the battery is also signifi-

534. TEMPERATURE CORRECTION. U.S. manu- tween maximum charging voltage and the Anally battery failure. The relationship be- + 19 - 8 1.100 lyte boiling, rapid deterioration of the cell, and +18 -10 1.125 excessive cell temperatures leading to electro- + 5 -15 1.150 ature or charging voltage limits will result in — 4 -20 1.176 storage batteries beyond their ambient temper- -85 -16 -87 -28 1.200 1.225 532. BATTERY OVERHEAT FAILURE. Operation of —80 -62 -95 -52 -82 -70 1.275 1.250 1.800 ally identified by the material used for the plates.

recommendations. Storage batteries are usu- F. o. tained in accordance with the manufacturer's ЗрeolЛo characteristics and, therefore, should be main- Frease point in aircraft. These batteries possess different pointe. batteries are the two most common types used FIGURE 11.88.-Lead-acid battery electrolyte freezing 531. GENERAL. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium Section 8. STORAGE BATTERIES 1972 AC 43.13-1А Page 210