But the newer designs utilize more bus-type configurations with digital packet switching and fewer individual wires.
I’m a little confused by all of this. Newer wiring should be less susceptable to short circuit. Digital packet switching can reduce the number of wires and allows for wires that are less susceptible to shot circuit. Fiber optic cables can’t short. They are generally used with copper wires, but there are copper wires designed to make short circuits far less likely. For instance, shielded twisted-pair Ethernet cables have shielding to prevent this. I would also assume that the wires would be covered in plenum, a fire-resistant layer, which also helps here. If I’m required to run plenum cables in a drop ceiling and to use sheilded-twisted pair when close to electric wires and built-in lights, surely the FAA has greated requirements for plane manufacturing.
That’s it. And it doesn’t make it easier or more affordable to fix. It is easier to fix electric issues in 1989 Toyota than in a 2009 Audi. The latter is nearly impossible.