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Soldering nickel-coated conductors

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 17 of 24 on Aircraft Electrical Systems. ACS element AM.II.K.K13 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONCompared with tin- or silver-plated conductor, soldered terminations of nickel-plated conductor require what?

  1. AThe same solder sleeves and flux used for tin
  2. BDifferent solder sleeves or flux
  3. CNo flux at all, only added heat
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Different solder sleeves or flux

  • A — incorrect Using the same sleeves or flux is exactly what the guidance says must not be assumed for nickel plating.
  • B — correct Soldered terminations of nickel-plated conductor require the use of different solder sleeves or flux than those used with tin- or silver-plated conductor.
  • C — incorrect Flux is still involved; what changes is the type of solder sleeve or flux, not its elimination.

BACKGROUND

Bare copper develops a surface oxide coating that is a poor conductor, so all aircraft wiring is coated with tin, silver, or nickel, which oxidize far more slowly. Tin-coated copper is very common, but its ability to be soldered successfully without highly active fluxes diminishes rapidly with time after manufacture, and it is limited to 150 degrees Celsius. Silver-coated wire is used where temperatures do not exceed 200 degrees Celsius. Nickel-coated wire retains its properties beyond 260 degrees Celsius, although most aircraft wire using nickel-coated strands has insulation that cannot exceed that temperature on long-term exposure. Soldered terminations of nickel-plated conductor require the use of different solder sleeves or flux than those used with tin- or silver-plated conductor.

STUDY TIP

Tie each plating to both a temperature limit and a soldering consequence; nickel buys the most heat tolerance but changes the solder sleeve and flux you must use.

KEY POINTS

  • Aircraft wire is plated with tin, silver, or nickel to slow oxidation.
  • Nickel plating holds up beyond 260 degrees Celsius.
  • Nickel-plated conductor needs different solder sleeves or flux.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch09.txt "Plating"
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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.