Kim Rosenlof

Irvine, Calif.-based Eaton Corp. (Booth No. 5967) recently celebrated the successful flight testing of its arc fault circuit breaker (AFCB) technology as a stand-alone replacement for existing circuit breakers. Completing more than 350 normal service flights aboard a U.S. Navy DC-9 and the FAA Research Center’s B-727, the Eaton AFCBs accumulated more than 5,000 hr of operation in multiple circuits ranging from fuel boost pumps to position lighting. 
Because AFCB units can detect wire arcing in a typical aircraft 115-volt, 400-Hz electrical system, this presents a critical improvement in circuit breaker technology since the FAA and NTSB have cited electrical system arcing as one likely cause of the cabin fire and crash of Swissair Flight 111 and the explosion and crash of TWA Flight 800. According to Eaton sources, arcing conditions resulting from damaged or old wiring insulation can reach temperatures of more than 6,000 deg. The AFCBs use integrated electronics to diagnose when arcs or intermittent short-circuiting occurs in the wiring, then immediately isolates the circuit from the rest of the system.
Eaton AFCBs can be installed as direct replacements to existing circuit breakers with no additional connections, wiring or site preparation.

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Improved circuit breakers in flight test

Irvine, Calif.-based Eaton Corp.

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

NBAA Convention News 2002

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Pinnacle Aviation Buys Mx Provider Aviation One

Purchase enables company to offer retail aircraft maintenance services in U.S. Southwest

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Work involved major disassembly of the airframe

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Extension goes to six years or 4,000 flight hours, whichever is first

Illinois MRO/FBO Flightstar Expands with New Hangar

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Combines component repair and overhaul and parts services companies

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Installation supports ISR and law enforcement missions

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