Choosing the right aircraft cable for your applications may seem daunting due to the abundance of choices. However, it does not have to be. When shopping for aircraft cable, there are three top considerations to make.
Material
Common materials used to construct aircraft cable are galvanized steel, specialty alloys, and stainless steel. If you opt for stainless steel, you'll have several grades to choose from, including 302/304, 305, and 316.
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for aircraft cable because it can tolerate corrosive elements, such as saltwater. Stainless steel provides lasting shine and corrosion resistance capabilities. If your aircraft cable is exposed to harsh elements, stainless steel should be the material of choice.
Galvanized steel is dipped in zinc coating, which provides good corrosion resistance. Galvanized steel is used for general applications because it is a cheaper option than other materials. Galvanized steel also has an ideal break strength.
Manufacturing Location
Aircraft cable is manufactured in many countries, but choose products produced domestically for the best quality. Materials that comply with Made in USA standards are built to last and perform at high levels.
Cable Construction
Cable construction makes a difference in your aircraft cable's performance level and capabilities. Examples of cable construction are 1x7, 3x7, 7x7, and 19x7. The numbers reference the number of stresses to the number of wires in the strands. A 7x7 cable construction indicates seven strands with seven wires in the strands. For flexible cable, opt for more wires wrapped around a strand. Cables with fewer wires are stiffer. The construction cable you choose determines tensile strength and resistance.
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