Light Aircraft Association

Is it OK to use standard automotive-grade wiring in a permit aircraft? At present the whole aircraft (assembled 1996) is wired with standard aviation cable, but now I need to do a run of 0-gauge or 1-gauge from the battery to the starter solenoid and I can't find this thickness of cable anywhere except automotive suppliers.

Aircraft Spruce have what you need (in 0 and 2 gauge):
UNSHIELDED WIRE MIL-W-22759/16

I don't believe there are any restrictions on using non-aviation spec cable but best to check with your inspector.
Tony Nowak

Not sure you have to use 'aircraft' wire in a permit aircraft but surely it's best touse it if you can get it.

Have you checked with Pete Smoothy at Airworld? 0 gauge is on his on-line shopping site:

http://shop.airworlduk.com/aviation-wir ... 1168-p.asp

regards

Colin

or here http://shop1.actinicexpress.co.uk/shops ... section=18

Forget the others if your not too desperate, I re-wired my SIPA completely with Tefzel for a third of the price than the suppliers in the UK. It's a US company, but even with the duty and taxes (depending on value) it was a fantastic saving. They are really helpful and quick to dispatch and will send any value (mine was a big order so I got the cigar as well!!).

http://www.steinair.com/wire.htm

Just a note, I saw a homebuild go up in smoke on the ground a couple of years ago but the owner managed to put it out in time - due to automotive pvc wiring wearing and shorting out, don't use it, not worth the risk! Although someone out there has probably got pvc wire in his aircraft and has not had any problems.

Regards,

Andy

Just a thought here, There is wiring and bad wiring, all wiring will short out if it is cut through and if you remember a Swissair DC10 crashed killing all because of a short in the wiring causing a fire. The newer type of aircraft wire is just a bit better than the old one. Be careful how it is done and it will not be any more dangerous than your car.
Graham

Got it sorted. Thanks to all!