BUENA PARK, Calif.-- Leach International has been selected by Boeing as the exclusive provider of Fault Current Detection (FCD) and Ground Fault Interrupt (GFI) relays to satisfy the FAA safety regulation SFAR 88, according to Mark Thek, president, Leach International, NA.

Boeing selected Leach GFI relays for retrofit as well as new production of 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, and 777 aircraft and FCD relays to retrofit all DC-10, MD-10 and MD-11 aircraft.

SFAR 88 requires transport-category aircraft manufacturers to modify fuel systems to eliminate the possibility of an ignition source developing within a fuel tank. Leach GFI relays sense fuel pump ground faults, while Leach FCD relays sense fuel pump ground faults and phase-to-phase shorts in the fuel pump and up-stream wiring. Through the use of a proprietary electronic circuit design, Leach GFI and FCD relays will detect these faults and open the circuit within milliseconds, thereby minimizing the potential of fuel-system combustion.

"Since Leach products are the primary relays and contactors on Boeing aircraft, satisfying SFAR 88 requirements on existing aircraft will be a quick, drop-in, direct-replacement process," explains Thek. "In addition, as the only supplier selected by Boeing for this critical application, our parts will be FAA-certified and PMA approved as the retrofit solution."

All FCD and GFI models provide a built-in test feature that allows the aircraft mechanic to verify that fault sensing is activated, and a visual trip indicator located on the devices alerts maintenance personnel that a ground fault has occurred.

In addition to fuel system applications, Leach's FCD and GFI devices can be applied to other circuits on aircraft and ground transport vehicles that require similar critical protection. "As an industry leader in "smart" relay technology, we see great potential for these products on large business jets, helicopters and ground vehicles," says Thek.

Leach International Corporation, a leader since 1919 in high-reliability power switching components, is one of the largest manufactures of electrical switching and control devices for the aerospace industry.