How to Choose Which Backshell Is Best For Your Aircraft
A backshell accessory is a component that is mounted onto the rear threads of a connector to both house and protect contacts and other sensitive elements. Backshell connectors can also provide a cable clamping mechanism, ensuring that strain relief is provided to the cables or wires to mitigate mechanical stress. Coming in the form of a piece that is either screwed or locked onto the shell of a connector, backshell accessories are very important for the performance and safety of electrical connections.
In order for an electrical backshell component to sufficiently protect a connector, it must be applied correctly and meet the requirements of the connector itself. In order to do this, the correct backshell must be chosen based on the application, connector type and shape, cable diameter and routing restrictions, the environment the component is placed in, and other such factors. If the backshell is being used for certain demanding applications such as aviation, it can also be beneficial to see if the component meets certain standards or specifications. For example, parts that follow military specifications such as mil-spec backshells are often designed to excel in many harsh environments, making such components optimal for commercial and military avionics, weapon systems, satellites, and more.
Once you have narrowed down the specific requirements and characteristics that may be needed for a given application, the backshell can then be chosen from one of the primary backshell component families. There are four main families, those including Non-Environmental, Environmental, Non-Environmental EMI/RFI, and Environmental EMI/RFI backshell connectors. Non-Environmental backshell accessories are most often used in applications where there is little concern for the environment. As such, the connector may not require protection from moisture, dirt, dust, and other contaminants more commonly seen in other spaces. Generally speaking, Non-Environmental electrical backshell components are most often found in climate controlled environments. Environmental backshell connectors, on the other hand, are specifically designed for environments where components may be exposed to fluids, contaminants, and highly fluctuating temperatures. As mil-spec components are meant for more rigorous applications and environments, many fall into this family of connector backshells.
For both Non-Environmental and Environmental EMI/RFI backshell components, protection is provided against electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference. Similar to their non-EMI/RFI counterparts, such backshells will be more suitable for certain environments depending on whether they are meant for harsher environments or not. In certain applications, having protection from EMI and RFI interferences can be crucial for performance. Such interferences can result from the presence of broadcast stations, electric motors, electromagnets, transformers, coils, high power radar systems, and more. As backshell aircraft components and aircraft backshell adapter parts may be employed in the presence of such interferences, they are often designed with EMI/RFI protection in mind.
With the diverse characteristics offered by various backshell components, the choice between each will often come down to the application, environment, requirements, and other factors. Whether you are in need of mil-spec backshell components for an aircraft or simply need a certain backshell accessory, Aviation Parts Circuit has everything you are searching for at competitive pricing. Take your time and explore our expansive catalogs which contain a plethora of new, used, and obsolete components that have been sourced from top global manufacturers that we trust. When you find items that you wish to procure, fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form through our website and a dedicated account manager will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less with a personalized quote that caters to your individual requirements. Begin the purchasing process with Aviation Parts Circuit today and see why customers rely on us for all their operational needs.
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