Definition
A woven outer covering of cotton fibers applied over the insulation of an electrical wire to protect the insulation from abrasion, moisture, and handling damage. Cotton braid was commonly used on older aircraft wiring before modern synthetic insulation materials replaced it.
Plain English
A layer of cotton threads woven around an electrical wire to protect the insulation underneath. It is an older style of wire covering found in vintage aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance, especially when inspecting or restoring older aircraft wiring.
Derivation
From 'braid,' meaning interwoven strands. The term simply describes the construction: cotton threads braided together to form a protective sleeve around the wire.
Why Pilots Care
Protects wiring from chafing and abrasion, helping prevent electrical shorts or failures that could affect aircraft systems.
Intuition Check
Cotton braid is not decorative trim here. It means a protective woven covering used on aircraft wiring or cable.
Example Sentence 1
During the annual inspection of the vintage Stearman, the mechanic noted that the cotton braid on several wires had frayed and recommended replacement with modern wiring.
Example Sentence 2
Older Cessna wiring often uses cotton braid covered with varnish for added environmental protection.