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NEWS | July 17, 2023

Apache: Correctly Reinstall Generator Wires

BLUF:  Make sure Apache generator wire leads are marked properly so they can be reinstalled correctly after maintenance to prevent frying generators.

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, gears up for a flight in an AH-64E Apache Helicopter.
Photo by Sgt. Savannah Roy
 
This article initially appeared in PS 594 (02), p. 39.

Dear Editor,

We have a lot of problems with wires being put on backwards after maintenance on the AH-64D/E No. 1 and No. 2 generators. And backward wires lead to fried generators.
 
The procedure in TM 1-1520-Lonbow/Apace (Mar 22) says to identify wires as they are removed. We once used tape or a grease pencil, but neither of those things works. Oil smudges the markings and heat makes the tape fall off.
 
Our idea is to use an assortment of different colored heat-shrinkable bands with stamped stud numbers around the wire leads to avoid the wrong hookup. Here’s what we use:
 
Wire Tubing
T1 Black
T2 Blue
T3 Red
T4 Yellow

NSN 9390-01-494-3834 brings you a kit of heat-shrinkable bands.

​Use colored heat-shrinkable bands to mark wires
Use colored heat-shrinkable bands to mark wires

SSG Francisco Declet
D Troop, 6-6 Cav
Editor’s note: Great job! Identifying unmarked wires is always a problem and heat-shrinkable bands offer a good solution. 
 
Additional note: This article has been updated from the original to bring it current and for accuracy and clarity.
Apache
Apache Helicopter
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