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Is there any FAA or EASA regulation that dictates the use of locking electrical connectors for certain systems on an aircraft?

Self-locking (ratchet mechanism, bayonet) and positive locking (wire locked) connectors are used on most systems.

But there are also push-pull connectors mainly used on headsets or quick disconnect batteries.

Is there a regulation that prohibits the use of not self-locking or positive locked electrical connectors for certain systems even though they fulfill exactly the same mechaninal specifications concerning vibration, shock and durability?

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  • $\begingroup$ Vibration, shock, and durability aren't the only reasons to use self-locking connectors. A mechanism to make it pop out on its own if not properly mated helps alert you if you haven't plugged it in correctly; a good wire lock can't be fastened unless the connector is fast. Either helps prevent disconnections caused by careless maintenance, which is a more common cause than mechanical failure due to shock or vibration. $\endgroup$
    – Dan Hulme
    Commented Dec 15, 2015 at 20:36
  • $\begingroup$ @DanHulme -- then again, many disconnections due to careless maintenance are due to the careless guy unplugging the connector and then forgetting it was ever unplugged, thus not remembering to plug it back in :) $\endgroup$
    – UnrecognizedFallingObject
    Commented Dec 16, 2015 at 2:06

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EDIT: Note that the original question, which this answer primarily addresses, did not specify electrical connectors.

The FAA does provide regulations which at least partially cover this subject, though the guidance is rather broad.

The airworthiness standards in 14 CFR 23.607 for normal, utility, acrobatic, and commuter category airplanes stipulate that:

(a) Each removable fastener must incorporate two retaining devices if the loss of such fastener would preclude continued safe flight and landing.

(b) Fasteners and their locking devices must not be adversely affected by the environmental conditions associated with the particular installation.

(c) No self-locking nut may be used on any bolt subject to rotation in operation unless a non-friction locking device is used in addition to the self-locking device.

Likewise, the airworthiness standards in 14 CFR 25.607 for transport category airplanes stipulate that:

(a) Each removable bolt, screw, nut, pin, or other removable fastener must incorporate two separate locking devices if—

(1) Its loss could preclude continued flight and landing within the design limitations of the airplane using normal pilot skill and strength; or

(2) Its loss could result in reduction in pitch, yaw, or roll control capability or response below that required by Subpart B of this chapter.

(b) The fasteners specified in paragraph (a) of this section and their locking devices may not be adversely affected by the environmental conditions associated with the particular installation.

(c) No self-locking nut may be used on any bolt subject to rotation in operation unless a nonfriction locking device is used in addition to the self-locking device.

As you can see, these regulations do prohibit certain types of locking fasteners in certain circumstances. For example, a nylon self-locking nut is not acceptable to fasten the exhaust manifold to the cylinder head; an all-metal self-locking nut would be acceptable, however.

The greater concern for a system such as a headset may be that to install it with fastening hardware—screws for example—would be to make it an installed part of the aircraft. The installation would then be subject to the various regulations of an installation: a log book entry, weight and balance considerations, etc.

Additionally, AC 43-13-1B, Ch 7, provides non-regulatory guidance regarding use of fasteners, including the use of locking and safety mechanisms. I will note that this guidance is superseded by manufacturer maintenance data for most modern aircraft.

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  • $\begingroup$ Thanks for the interesting source of information although the cited paragraphs are not explicitly related to electrical connectors. $\endgroup$
    – robsn
    Commented Jan 12, 2016 at 11:21
  • $\begingroup$ @robsn In using the word "connector" in your question, do you mean specifically "electrical connector"? In US aviation parlance, the word connector can be used of many different types of hardware and structures, for example seat belt fittings. $\endgroup$
    – J W
    Commented Jan 12, 2016 at 13:21
  • $\begingroup$ @robsn Additionally, the cited paragraphs from parts 23 and 25 do address fasteners for electrical terminals, where applicable. $\endgroup$
    – J W
    Commented Jan 12, 2016 at 13:31
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, the question is about electrical connectors only. I'm sorry for the confusion, I'm not a native english speaker. I'll edit the question accordingly. $\endgroup$
    – robsn
    Commented Jan 12, 2016 at 13:40

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