insert, which holds the current-carrying contacts.
The plug usually attaches to the cable end and is
the part of the connector on which the coupling
nut mounts. The receptacle is the half of the
connector to which the plug connects. The
receptacle is usually mounted on a part of the
equipment.
In naval aircraft, connectors with crimp-type
contacts are widely used. Maintenance is easier
because you can remove the contact from the
connector. If the connector is damaged, you can
remove the contacts and replace the connector
shell. If just a connector pin is damaged, you can
remove and replace the pin. This is a considerable
advantage over the solder-type connector, both
in convenience and time savings. A discussion of
the special tools you need to remove and insert
crimped contacts is contained in Installation
Practices Aircraft Electric and Electronic Wiring,
NAVAIR 01-1A-505.
Some common types of subminiature con-
nectors are shown in figure 2-16. They are
used on instruments, switches, transformers,
amplifiers, relays, etc.
FABRICATION OF CABLES
Occasionally, you will have to make a cable
using connectors. The type of connector you will
use is specified in the MIM for the particular
aircraft. The following steps outline the procedure
you should use to make a cable:
1. Disassemble the connector to allow access
to the terminals. Devise a way to hold the
connector so both hands are free.
Figure 2-16.-Subminiature connectors.
2. Cut the cables to the correct length.
3. Strip the wire end with a wire stripper or
knife. If you use a knife, avoid cutting or
bottom connection and work left to right,
nicking the wire strands. Tin the bare wire
moving up a row at a time. After soldering the
end.
connections, the shields, if used, are soldered to
4. Run the wires through the connector
a common terminal or ferrule. Then lace the cable
assembly and coupling nuts.
and reassemble and moistureproof the connector,
5. Make sure all surfaces are clean.
if necessary. Fabricating instructions are con-
6. Flow rosin-core solder into the connector
tained in NAVAIR 01-1A-505.
terminals.
7. Hold the tip of the soldering iron against
MOISTUREPROOFING
the terminal. As the solder melts, push the
wire into the cavity. Hold the wire steady
Present Navy practice is to use potted
while the solder cools.
connectors (moistureproof or environmentproof
connectors). All jet- and carrier-type aircraft
When you solder, be careful not to injure the
have potted connectors. On other aircraft, use
connector insulation with the soldering iron.
moistureproofing sealant on electrical connectors
Follow a prearranged sequence (fig. 2-17). The
in areas where a chance of failure exists. All
recommended sequence is to start from the
