A-C and D-C short-circuit tests on aircraft cable

J. C. Cunningham (Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company, East Pittsburgh, Pa.): One of the most effective methods of improving the fault-clearing ability of an aircraft distribution system is to replace heavy cables by two or more smaller cables in parallel. By this means the probable thermal capacity of faults is reduced without a corresponding reduction in short-circuit current. The result is a reduction in fault time, damage, and fire hazard. The increased number of circuits further increases reliability by reducing the probability of losing all circuits.