SAE AS50881 — Wiring Aerospace Vehicle

The SAE aerospace standard that establishes recommended practice for the design, installation, and verification of aerospace wiring systems. Widely referenced as supporting guidance for FAA §25.1707 compliance.

Technical detail

AS50881 covers wire selection, harness construction, separation distances, clamping, support, marking, and verification testing for aerospace vehicle wiring. Section 3.11.11 specifically addresses gas and fluid carrying lines and tubes, recommending positive separation of at least 0.500″ from such lines.

AS50881 is industry guidance and does not override FAA regulation. Where Lectromec arc-plume testing has shown tube failure at distances exceeding the AS50881 default, certification must rely on the damage assessment rather than the standard's recommendation.

When it matters

Frequently cited in cert packages as the basis for separation distances. Where the AS50881 recommendation conflicts with measured damage data, the regulation and the measured data prevail.

Related terms

FAA 25.1707 — System Separation Requirements
The Federal Aviation Regulation that requires EWIS to be physically separated and electrically isolated from other EWIS, aircraft systems, fluid lines, control cables, and heated equipment such that no credible failure can produce a hazardous condition.
SAE ARP1870A — Aerospace Electrical Bonding and Grounding
The SAE aerospace recommended practice covering electrical bonding and grounding of aerospace systems for electromagnetic compatibility and safety. Latest revision 2012.
Arc Damage Modeling Tool
Lectromec's arc damage simulation tool. Simulates wire failures that produce arcing events and the subsequent damage to nearby harnesses, structure, and fuel or hydraulic lines. Used in certification packages for aerospace organizations.