Definition
A woven sleeve of fine metal wires, typically tinned copper, used as the outer covering of shielded electrical cables or as a flexible electrical bonding strap. The braid carries stray electrical currents to ground and shields the inner conductor from electromagnetic interference.
Plain English
A tube made by weaving many thin metal wires together. It wraps around a wire to block electrical noise, or is used on its own as a flexible metal strap that carries electricity between two parts of an aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen during aircraft electrical inspections, around shielded wires, ignition leads, and some hose or cable assemblies.
Derivation
Braid comes from the Old English bregdan, meaning to weave or plait. The same weaving technique used for rope or hair is applied here to fine wires, producing a flexible tube that still conducts electricity well.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains hose strength under pressure and vibration while blocking electrical interference that could affect instruments.
Intuition Check
Wire braid is not one solid wire. It is many small wires woven together so it can flex while still covering or connecting the part.
Example Sentence 1
During the inspection, the mechanic noticed the wire braid on one of the magneto leads was frayed and arranged for it to be replaced.
Example Sentence 2
Wire braid shielding was added around the avionics wiring to reduce radio noise.