Are pvc wires still used in commercial aircrafts?

Question

Hi I am doing a science fair project on the thermal degredation of 3 different wire samples that are commonly used in commercial air crafts. I was wondering if PVC is still used in aircraft systems.

BTW I am only in seventh grade.

Please help.

Answer 1

PVC is an INSULATOR.  Newer, more heat-resistant insulators are now available for new construction.

Wire CONDUCTORS in aircraft are either copper or aluminum.  Aluminum saves weight, but doesn't conduct nearly as well.  In my opinion, it's not worth the weight savings, especially in heavy load circuits (starting,, etc.)

Answer 2

http://www.vision.net.au/~apaterson/avia...

Avoid planes with Kapton wiring, read this link about fire danger. Fire in aircraft is an emotive issue. Airlines provide smoke hoods for crew but not passengers. Passengers can buy them for about 50 dollars. Smoke in the cockpit of commercial jets is not uncommon, there have been too many recent reports.

Answer 3

There is aircraft grade wiring still available for sale that has PVC insulation (MIL-W-5086) but I don't think it is used for new aircraft.

There are plenty of old planes out there with original wiring and they could possibly have PVC wiring.  I haven't heard of any program to replace the wiring in aircraft based on the type of wire other than replacing aluminum wire with copper.

Answer 4

Nope... PVC doesn't conduct electricity.  Airplane wires are made from aluminum or copper.

(You need to learn to phrase your questions properly)

Answer 5

It does still exist.

Newer wire is generally coated in something else that is slightly tougher.  However, not all pvc coated wires have degraded so if they continue to pass inspections, they are not replaced.