For over 33 years, InterConnect Wiring has worked closely with aerospace and defense companies and countries that reference SAE AS50881 in their technical documentation. For example, as we assist our incredible U.S. Marines with rewiring their helos, we utilize AS50881. Semper Fidelis!
When InterConnect’s manufacturing engineers encounter documentation that references “SAE AS50881” as a wiring harness manufacturing standard, it signals a common industry misunderstanding.
While AS50881 does relate directly to wiring harnesses, it is not a manufacturing standard. Instead, it is a design and installation specification, primarily focused on aerospace applications.
Understanding this distinction is critical for engineers, program managers, and procurement teams working with aircraft wiring systems. This article explains what SAE AS50881 is, where it came from, and how it fits into wiring harness design—particularly in military and aerospace environments.
What Is SAE AS50881?
SAE AS50881 is an abbreviated designation. The full name is Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Standard (AS) 50881. At first glance, the combination of “automotive” and “aerospace” in the title can raise questions, especially for those new to the standard.
AS50881 governs the design, identification, and installation requirements for aerospace wiring systems, with an emphasis on military aircraft. It provides structured guidance for how wiring harnesses should be designed and integrated into an aircraft—not how they should be manufactured on the production floor.
Key points about AS50881 include:
- It focuses on design and installation, not fabrication or assembly processes.
- It applies primarily to military and aerospace vehicles.
- It establishes wire identification and numbering methodology across an aircraft.
The History of AS50881
To understand AS50881, it helps to understand its origins. The standard began its life as a US military specification known as MIL-W-5088, titled “Wiring, Aerospace Vehicle.”
Approximately 30 years ago, the US Department of Defense initiated an effort to significantly reduce the number of military-specific standards. The goal was to lower costs and encourage broader adoption of commercial standards that could still meet military requirements.
At the time:
- The US Navy was responsible for managing and maintaining many military standards.
- Maintaining these standards required significant administrative and financial resources.
- The Department of Defense began transferring ownership of select standards to commercial organizations.
On December 9, 1992, MIL-W-5088 was officially transferred to SAE and reissued as AS50881. The Society of Automotive Engineers became the controlling organization, while military stakeholders remained involved in the standard’s development and maintenance.
This transition explains why AS50881 retains its military aerospace focus while being managed by a commercial standards body.
Is AS50881 a Wiring Harness Manufacturing Standard?
The title and broad scope of AS50881 lead many to assume it defines how wiring harnesses should be manufactured. In practice, this assumption is incorrect.
AS50881 does not specify:
- Assembly workmanship criteria
- Manufacturing inspection requirements
- Repair acceptance standards
Instead, it concentrates on design intent and installation considerations, ensuring wiring systems are safe, traceable, and maintainable once installed in an aircraft.
Because of its frequent appearance in engineering drawings and specifications, AS50881 is often cited alongside manufacturing standards, which contributes to ongoing confusion.
Standards That Govern Wiring Harness Manufacturing
While AS50881 is valuable for design and installation guidance, it should be complemented by standards that explicitly address manufacturing and repair of aerospace wiring harnesses.
InterConnect recommends the following industry standards for fabrication and acceptance. These are in no particular order.
- IPC/WHMA-A-620: Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies
- IPC-A-610: Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies
- IPC J-STD-001: Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies
- NAVAIR 01-1A-505-1: Harness Installation and Repair Practices for Aircraft Electric and Electronic Wiring. This standard is a combination of the former US Navy standard with the same name as well as the former US Air Force Standard T.O. 01-1A-14 and former US Army standard TM 1-1500-323-24-1.
Together, these standards provide comprehensive guidance for manufacturing, inspection, and repair activities.
InterConnect’s Approach to Aerospace Wiring Harnesses
InterConnect manufactures wiring harnesses in compliance with the standards listed above, as well as with proprietary specifications developed by leading aerospace and defense organizations, including:
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- BAE Systems
- Northrop Grumman
- Honeywell
- LM Sikorsky
- Bell
- L3Harris
- Airbus
This multi-standard approach ensures that each harness meets both industry best practices and customer-specific technical requirements.
Additional Resources for Wiring Harness Engineers
For engineers and program managers interested in wiring harness design, or for those experiencing wiring harness challenges related to standards interpretation, InterConnect offers additional resources and industry engagement opportunities.
You may find this reference helpful: An Intro to Wiring Harnesses.
InterConnect also recommends attending industry forums such as the JSWAG (Joint Services Wiring Action Group) Conference, which brings together government, OEM, and supplier experts to discuss wiring system standards, challenges, and best practices.
Get Expert Guidance on Wiring Harness Design
If you have questions about AS50881, wiring harness design, or aerospace manufacturing standards, InterConnect Wiring’s experienced engineers can provide guidance tailored to your project. Whether you need design consultation, troubleshooting, or assistance interpreting standards, our team is ready to help.
Contact InterConnect today to discuss wiring harness design, AS50881 compliance, or aerospace manufacturing standards.
