EN 2591-322:1998

Overview

EN 2591-322:1998 is a European standard developed by CEN under the Aerospace series, focused on elements of electrical and optical connections within aerospace applications. This standard specifically addresses the test methods for hermeticity, which is the airtightness of connection elements exposed to gas pressure differences. Hermeticity ensures reliability and safety in aerospace electrical and optical connectors by preventing gas or moisture ingress that could compromise system performance.

The standard is designed to be used in conjunction with EN 2591, providing a precise testing framework to verify the hermetic seal integrity between the housing (shell) and insert, as well as between the insert and contacts of connection elements.

Key Topics

• Hermeticity Testing
  Defines the method to assess airtightness of electrical and optical connectors against gas pressure differentials.

• Scope of Testing
  Evaluates the seal between:

  • Housing (shell) and insert
  • Insert and contacts

• Aerospace Application Focus
  Tailored for high-reliability aerospace equipment and systems, where connector integrity under varying environmental conditions is critical.

• Integration with EN 2591
  Intended to complement the general guidelines and specifications detailed in the main EN 2591 series for electrical and optical connection elements.

Applications

• Aerospace Electrical Connectors
  Applied in aerospace military, commercial, and space industry connectors to certify the airtightness and ensure long-term operational reliability.

• Optical Connections in Aerospace
  Used for optical connectors where hermetic sealing is essential to prevent performance degradation caused by moisture or gas ingress.

• Quality Assurance in Manufacturing
  Helps manufacturers verify hermeticity during production, ensuring compliance with stringent aerospace quality and safety requirements.

• Maintenance and Testing
  Used by aerospace maintenance personnel to confirm that assemblies maintain hermetic seals over time, preventing system failures.

Related Standards

• EN 2591 Series
  The core standard series covering general requirements and specifications for aerospace electrical and optical connectors.

• IEC and MIL Aerospace Standards
  Complementary standards addressing connector performance, environmental testing, and quality assurance in aerospace applications.

• Hermetic Seal Testing Standards in Other Industries
  While EN 2591-322 focuses on aerospace, similar hermeticity test methods are applied in medical, automotive, and industrial sectors, emphasizing the importance of airtight connectors.

By adhering to EN 2591-322:1998, aerospace manufacturers and engineers can ensure their electrical and optical connection elements meet critical hermeticity requirements, safeguarding performance and safety in demanding operational environments. This contributes to enhanced reliability and extended service life of aerospace equipment.