SkyDrill

Emergency splice by soldering

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 9 of 24 on Aircraft Electrical Systems. ACS element AM.II.K.R8 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONAn emergency repair made by soldering together and potting broken strands may be used on which wire?

  1. AAluminum wire, as a temporary repair
  2. BCopper wire, as a temporary repair
  3. CEither copper or aluminum wire
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Copper wire, as a temporary repair

  • A — incorrect Damaged aluminum wire must not be temporarily spliced.
  • B — correct These repairs are applicable to copper wire and are for temporary emergency use only.
  • C — incorrect Including aluminum makes this wrong, since aluminum wire is excluded from temporary splicing.

BACKGROUND

Broken wires can be repaired by means of crimped splices, by using terminal lugs from which the tongue has been cut off, or by soldering together and potting broken strands. These repairs are applicable to copper wire, and damaged aluminum wire must not be temporarily spliced. Such repairs are for temporary emergency use only and should be replaced as soon as possible with permanent repairs. Because some manufacturers prohibit splicing altogether, the applicable manufacturer's instructions should always be consulted. In general, splicing must not affect the reliability or the electromechanical characteristics of the wiring, and there should be no more than one splice in any one wire segment between disconnect points.

STUDY TIP

Keep two limits together in your mind: the method is copper only, and it is temporary until a permanent repair is made.

KEY POINTS

  • Soldering and potting broken strands repairs copper wire only.
  • Damaged aluminum wire must not be temporarily spliced.
  • Emergency splices are replaced with permanent repairs as soon as possible.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch09.txt "Emergency Splicing Repairs"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON AIRCRAFT ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.