At InterConnect Wiring, attention to detail is critical in every stage of aircraft wiring harness production, and this commitment extends all the way to the final step: “dressing-out” or “closing-out” the harness. Once a wiring harness has completed in-process inspections and passed final electrical testing, it begins the final process to ensure compliance with specifications, functionality, and overall readiness for delivery. Let’s take a closer look at what “dressing-out” entails and why it’s an essential part of our production process.
What Is “Dressing-Out”?
Dressing-out a wiring harness be it for an F-16, F-15, UH-60 or C-130, to name a few, refers to the final preparation steps performed after testing and inspection have verified the harness is electrically complete and defect-free. These steps ensure the aircraft harness meets all specification requirements, is properly labeled for identification, and is physically prepared for installation. This stage also includes confirming any customer-specific details, ensuring the finished product is ready for use in demanding applications like military aircraft. Please go to this video to see “Dressing-Out” an aircraft wiring harness in action!
Here are the three (3) key steps in the process:
1. Heat-Shrinking REF DES and Harness ID Tubing
Every aerospace wiring harness must be clearly labeled for identification and traceability. During dress-out, heat-shrink tubing with Reference Designators (REF DES) and Harness ID labels are applied to designated areas of the harness. This involves:
Placement: Ensuring the tubing is positioned accurately per the engineering drawings or customer specifications.
Heat Shrinking: Using heat-guns to shrink the tubing securely onto the harness, ensuring labels remain durable and legible under environmental stresses.
These identifiers are crucial for depot maintenance teams, as they provide quick and easy reference to the harness’s purpose and connection points.
2. Ensuring Specification Compliance
Meeting the customer’s specifications is critical. Whether its Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, BAE, Boeing or the USAF, the dressing-out process includes a detailed review to verify the harness assembly drawing (HAD) and the accuracy of the wiring harness on the HAD.
Items reviewed include wire lengths, bundle diameters, and connector alignment or clocking, to name a few.
3. Adding Protective Measures
Depending on the application, the wiring harness may require additional protective measures during dressing-out. This could include applying protective caps or covers to connectors to prevent FOD or contamination during shipping and handling.
Why Dressing-Out Matters
Dressing-out isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about delivering a product that’s 100% ready for its intended application. For wiring harnesses InterConnect Wiring delivers to its customers, every detail matters. Proper labeling, securing, and protecting ensures the harness will perform reliably under the most demanding conditions, while also making installation and maintenance seamless for our customers.
Trust InterConnect Wiring for Excellence
At InterConnect Wiring, we understand that quality is in the details. The dressing-out process is a vital step in delivering the superior wiring harnesses that military platforms like the F-16, F-15 and F-22 depend on. By following rigorous procedures and prioritizing customer requirements, we ensure that our harnesses meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.
For more information about our wiring harness solutions or to discuss your project’s needs, contact us today!
