FSC 5999: Organizing Miscellaneous Electrical and Electronic Components

Navigating the vast amount of Federal Supply Classes (FSCs) can appear daunting, but their classification of related items contributes to far more efficient procurement processes. It is especially important to be aware of the FSCs that organize general-use parts, such as FSC 5999, which encompasses miscellaneous electrical and electronic components. In this blog, we will go over what types of items can be found within FSC 5999, providing readers with a better understanding of its purpose.

What Is the Point of FSC 5999?

FSC 5999 specifically addresses electrical and electronic components that do not neatly fit into other FSCs. This class serves as a catch-all for a wide range of parts so they may be properly identified and managed within supply chains. Essentially, the existence of FSC 5999 allows for the organization of items that are vital for the operation of various devices, but are not necessarily specialized.

Key Components Within FSC 5999

Permanent Magnets

Permanent magnets are materials that generate a consistent magnetic field without requiring external power. They are integral in electric motors, generators, and magnetic sensors, as they provide the necessary magnetic flux to induce electrical currents or mechanical motion. As far as their construction goes, they are made from materials with high magnetic coercivity, such as neodymium or ferrite, while their shape and size differ to suit specific applications.

Magnetostriction Elements

Magnetostriction elements exploit the magnetostrictive effect, where certain materials such as iron, nickel, or alloys like Terfenol-D change shape or dimensions in response to a magnetic field. Typically shaped into rods or thin laminations to enhance mechanical movement while minimizing energy loss, they are precisely engineered to ensure efficient conversion in a particular setting. One example of their application is in sonar systems, where a coil that is wrapped around the magnetostrictive material generates a magnetic field once an electrical current is applied. This causes the material to expand and contract, producing ultrasonic waves that propagate through water for navigation and communication.

Caps

Caps are coverings that shield against environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and physical damage, coming in different types for varying protection needs like:

• Dust Caps: Designed to shield connectors from contaminants, dust caps are essential for maintaining the integrity of sensitive connections, especially those present in harsh industrial or outdoor environments.

• Protective Caps: These caps are made from durable materials that absorb shock well to provide a physical barrier against mechanical impacts, protecting delicate components during transportation, installation, or during general use.

• Terminal Caps: Specifically designed to insulate and protect electrical terminals, terminal caps prevent accidental short circuits and electrical shocks.

Clips

Clips are mechanical devices used to secure, organize, or guide electrical components and wiring within assemblies to create orderly and safe configurations. Some common variations include:

• Retaining Clips: Utilized to affix components firmly to surfaces, retaining clips are regularly present in electronic assemblies to prevent movement or vibration that could disrupt operation.
• Cable Clips: Essential for organizing and securing cables, especially in complex systems, cable clips prevent tangling and mechanical stress that can lead to signal interference or physical damage.

• Fuse Clips: Designed to hold fuses securely within circuits, these clips create reliable electrical contact and facilitate easy replacement once a fuse has blown.

Contacts

Contacts are conductive components that establish connections between different parts of a circuit. A few popular types are:

• Spring Contacts: Engineered to maintain consistent pressure against a mating surface, spring contacts are commonly utilized in connectors to uphold reliable electrical transmission and accommodate misalignment in the face of mechanical vibrations or thermal expansions.
• Sliding Contacts: Employed in applications where relative motion between components occurs, such as in potentiometers or slip rings, sliding contacts maintain continuous electrical connectivity during movement. Their functionality depends on materials with low friction coefficients and high wear resistance.
• Pin Contacts: These cylindrical conductive pins are used in plug-in connectors to establish secure electrical connections. Pin contacts are particularly fundamental in modular systems where components need to be easily connected and disconnected.

FSC 5999 Components from a Source You Can Trust

If you are in the market for any variety of products that fall under FSC 5999, look no further than Aerospace 3Sixty to find and procure all that your operations demand. As an ASAP Semiconductor platform, we offer a comprehensive catalog of items that fall under various FSCs and other common designations, everything being sourced from trusted manufacturers and suppliers. If you would like to see how we can meet your unique requirements, browse our selection and connect with our experts at your convenience.

1. david johnson
2. Posted on March 21, 2025
aviation

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