To what standard should electrical installations in aircraft be rated for safety?

The standard for electrical installations in aircraft focuses on aviation standards, which are specifically designed to cater to the unique operational and safety requirements of aircraft systems. These standards ensure that all electrical components can withstand the extreme environmental conditions encountered during flight, such as temperature variations, vibration, and electromagnetic interference.

Aircraft electrical systems must be reliable and capable of functioning effectively under various conditions, as failure could lead to catastrophic consequences. Aviation standards, established by regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), encompass extensive specifications for wiring, components, and installation techniques to promote safety and performance.

Standards dealing exclusively with open wiring or general electrical standards do not address the specific challenges and requirements of aircraft environments. Similarly, consumer product safety standards are focused on products for everyday use and do not encompass the rigorous safety and resilience needed for aviation applications. Thus, aviation standards are the only appropriate benchmark for ensuring the safety of electrical installations in aircraft.