ISO 2020-1:1997

Overview

ISO 2020-1:1997 establishes the dimensions, masses, strengths and load requirements for preformed flexible steel wire rope used in aircraft controls. Published as Part 1 of the ISO 2020 series, this International Standard sets material and construction expectations for cables that must operate between -54 °C and +121 °C. The standard promotes safety, interchangeability and predictable mechanical performance for aerospace control systems.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Requirements for preformed flexible steel wire rope intended specifically for aircraft control applications.
• Temperature range: Qualification for service between -54 °C and +121 °C.
• Materials:
  • Carbon steel wire (cold drawn and zinc coated) with specified cast analysis limits.
  • Corrosion-resisting alloy steel (cold drawn) with defined chemical limits.
• Wire diameters and tolerances: Nominal wire diameters are specified by the ropemaker; limit deviations for finished wire diameters are given in the standard.
• Zinc coating: Minimum mass per unit area for zinc coating on carbon steel wire is defined by nominal diameter ranges.
• Rope constructions: Two permitted constructions are defined:
  • 7 x 7 - six outer strands of seven wires laid around a steel centre strand of seven wires.
  • 7 x 19 - six outer strands of 19 wires laid around a steel centre strand of 19 wires.
  • The standard specifies lay directions, support requirements for the centre strand and limits on lengths of lay.
• Dimensions, masses and breaking loads: Tabulated values cover nominal rope diameters, measured diameters, approximate mass per 100 m and minimum breaking loads for both carbon and corrosion-resisting steel variants.
• Elongation testing: Permanent elongation under defined loads is specified for 7x7 and 7x19 constructions and must be verified by test.
• Designation example: The standard provides a clear designation format for ordered lots (for example: WIREROPE [ISO2020-1](/search?q=ISO2020-1) A 24 Y 0300).

Applications

ISO 2020-1:1997 is intended for use by aerospace engineers, cable manufacturers, procurement teams and quality assurance personnel involved in:

• Flight control cables and mechanical linkages
• Actuation and control runs within aircraft systems
• Design specification and drawing call-ups for assemblies using wire rope and end fittings
• Inspection, acceptance testing and material traceability for aircraft control cables

Adopting ISO 2020-1 helps ensure components meet consistent mechanical properties and environmental performance requirements critical to aircraft safety.

Related Standards

• ISO 2020-2:1997 - Aerospace - Preformed flexible steel wire rope for aircraft controls - Part 2: Technical specification (complements Part 1).
• ISO 2408 - Steel wire ropes for general purposes - Characteristics.
• ISO 2532 - Steel wire ropes - Vocabulary.
• ISO 3578 - Steel wire ropes - Standard designations.

For procurement and compliance, specify both Part 1 (dimensions and loads) and Part 2 (technical specification) to ensure full conformance to ISO 2020 requirements.