I’m in the process of putting new LED Nav/Strobe lights on my 170A. I’ve gone with Whelen which have 4 wires (Nav Pwr, Strobe Pwr, Ground, and Sync). I’ve already run new wires to the wingtips. I just got done crawling into the tail of the plane and see I have a problem. I don’t know how I’m going to run new wires through the tailcone. My current single wire goes from the rudder into the tailcone below the horizontal stabilizer and is restrained with a clamp then goes through a small hole in a bulkhead. Can anyone give me an idea on how to run a new wire through this area without having to take the horizontal stabilizer off?
Any help would be appreciated!
Doug
Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher
Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
N1235D - 1951 170A - SN: 20118
Re: Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
Don’t run the coax THRU the hole. Run it around the bulkhead and ty-wrap it to the existing wire or clamp.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Re: Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
How tight is the clamp? Fasten a wire at the end with solder an maybe shrink tube and pull through.
John
John
John Hess
Past President 2018-2021
President 2016-2018, TIC170A
Vice President 2014-2016, TIC170A
Director 2005-2014, TIC170A
N3833V Flying for Fun
'67 XLH 900 Harley Sportster
EAA Chapter 390 Pres since 2006
K3KNT
Past President 2018-2021
President 2016-2018, TIC170A
Vice President 2014-2016, TIC170A
Director 2005-2014, TIC170A
N3833V Flying for Fun
'67 XLH 900 Harley Sportster
EAA Chapter 390 Pres since 2006
K3KNT
Re: Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
Ok, my first post may have occurred in that moment of frustration that “it isn’t going to be as easy as the wingtip wire routing”.
The “clamp” I’m seeing actually looks like a bent aluminum tube that is at the bottom of the rear tailcone bulkhead (see pictures). It is definitely too small to pull my new cable through. I feel confident I can run a new cable through the tailcone using the large bulkhead holes, but I guess my question is how do I retain the wire inside the tailcone? Or can I just retain it at the front and rear bulkheads and that is good enough?
Thanks,
Doug
The “clamp” I’m seeing actually looks like a bent aluminum tube that is at the bottom of the rear tailcone bulkhead (see pictures). It is definitely too small to pull my new cable through. I feel confident I can run a new cable through the tailcone using the large bulkhead holes, but I guess my question is how do I retain the wire inside the tailcone? Or can I just retain it at the front and rear bulkheads and that is good enough?
Thanks,
Doug
N1235D - 1951 170A - SN: 20118
Re: Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
AC 43.13-1B addresses this, in Chapter 11, para 96:
11-96. GENERAL. Wires and cables should be inspected for adequacy of support, protection, and general condition throughout. The desirable and undesirable features in air- craft wiring installations are listed below and indicate conditions that may or may not exist. Accordingly, aircraft wiring must be visually inspected for the following requirements:
CAUTION: For personal safety, and to avoid the possibility of fire, turn off all electrical power prior to starting an inspection of the aircraft electrical system or performing maintenance.
a. Wires and cables are supported by suitable clamps, grommets, or other devices at intervals of not more than 24 inches, except when contained in troughs, ducts, or conduits. The supporting devices should be of a suitable size and type, with the wires and cables held securely in place without damage to the insu- lation.
b. Metal stand-offs must be used to maintain clearance between wires and struc- ture. Employing tape or tubing is not accept- able as an alternative to stand-offs for main- taining clearance.
You can Google this and download it from FAA.Gov
While there are not likely any fuel lines in the area in which you are working, NEVER tie electrical wires directly to or supported by fuel lines.
11-96. GENERAL. Wires and cables should be inspected for adequacy of support, protection, and general condition throughout. The desirable and undesirable features in air- craft wiring installations are listed below and indicate conditions that may or may not exist. Accordingly, aircraft wiring must be visually inspected for the following requirements:
CAUTION: For personal safety, and to avoid the possibility of fire, turn off all electrical power prior to starting an inspection of the aircraft electrical system or performing maintenance.
a. Wires and cables are supported by suitable clamps, grommets, or other devices at intervals of not more than 24 inches, except when contained in troughs, ducts, or conduits. The supporting devices should be of a suitable size and type, with the wires and cables held securely in place without damage to the insu- lation.
b. Metal stand-offs must be used to maintain clearance between wires and struc- ture. Employing tape or tubing is not accept- able as an alternative to stand-offs for main- taining clearance.
You can Google this and download it from FAA.Gov
While there are not likely any fuel lines in the area in which you are working, NEVER tie electrical wires directly to or supported by fuel lines.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons.
Re: Tail Light Wire Through Tailcone
Thanks, George.
I was going to look up the minimum distance this evening. I’ll read through that whole section again.
I was going to look up the minimum distance this evening. I’ll read through that whole section again.
N1235D - 1951 170A - SN: 20118