Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Bob Simmons on March 13, 2021 at 10:17pm

No two builds are exactly alike, and it's really up to you how you do yours. You can look up the standards from the FAA for reference (don't have that handy), and a Google search can give you more info to go on (https://www.google.com/search?q=wing+wiring). There'a a ton of stuff on Van's aircraft that is easily transferable to other homebuilts. Then decide how to proceed with yours. Some use conduit and some don't. It makes wiring easier, but it could add a couple of pounds to your empty weight. Personally, I'd go with shielded wire, especially for your strobes, to prevent interference issues with other systems. I'd give some personal insights but I haven't gotten to that point in my build yet.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chester Staskevich on March 14, 2021 at 1:07pm

Thanks Bob. I'm thinking conduit may not be a bad idea. Has any one done it on Zenith?  Any pictures?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michel Ruf on March 14, 2021 at 5:42am

You need to take shielded wire for strobes. Refer to installation manual of strobe manufacturer to avoid noise. Use light conduit, there might be a day you regret it if not

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chester Staskevich on March 14, 2021 at 9:08am

 I have not decided on brand of lights i will install, I just want to run wire inside a wing for time when i need it.

I was thinking  18 gauge 4 conductor shielded wire, (ground position strobe landing)  

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Michel Ruf on March 14, 2021 at 1:18pm

For Aeroled's pulsar you need 20 gauge. You can use 4 conductors for following functions:

- strobe

- landing

- nav

- strobe sync (syncs the two strobes)

and use shield as ground

In my opinion it is better to run an extra conductor for ground and attach the shield at one end to the common ground. 

Do not use the airframe at all for any electric installation. It might possibly add noise. Run always separate ground conductor to common ground.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mark Schoening on March 14, 2021 at 8:42am

http://www.aeroelectric.com/articles.html  A really good website for wiring and tips.  Also his book is an aircraft wiring bible.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chester Staskevich on March 14, 2021 at 9:11am

Thank you for the link, This should keep me busy for while.  

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David L. Smith on March 14, 2021 at 11:10am

Thanks Mark.

• ▶ Reply