Definition
A downward bend deliberately formed in a wire or cable just before it enters an electrical fitting, terminal, or aircraft structure, so that any water running along the wire collects at the low point of the bend and drips off rather than following the wire into the connection.
Plain English
A small U-shape made in a wire near where it enters a fitting, so water runs to the bottom of the U and drips off instead of running into the connection.
Context Anchor
Seen during aircraft maintenance, especially where wiring, antennas, or small lines pass into the aircraft or connect to equipment.
Derivation
Plain English. 'Drip' = the action of water falling in droplets. 'Loop' = the shape of the bend. Together: a loop shaped to make water drip off.
Why Pilots Care
Protects electrical systems from moisture-related shorts, corrosion, and failures.
Analogy
It is like letting an outdoor extension cord hang lower than the outlet before it plugs in. Water follows the cord down to the low spot and drops off instead of running into the outlet.
Intuition Check
A drip loop is not a drain or a leak in the system. It is a planned low point that keeps water from traveling along a wire or cable into something important.
Example Sentence 1
The technician formed a drip loop in the antenna lead-in wire so rainwater would not track along the cable into the fuselage.
Example Sentence 2
All new sensor wiring included drip loops to prevent water intrusion during operations in rain.