400Hz Ground Power Cable

TEBAOFLEX BETAjet 400FRNC-quadroflex is an open-twisted, high-flexibility 400Hz ground power cable designed for airport ground support equipment (GSE), mobile Ground Power Units (GPUs), and passenger boarding bridges (PBB).

  • Dual Certified: Fully compliant with European CE (No. ICR/VC/HTT260331) and North American UL (File E553318, Standard UL 62).
  • Engineered for Tough Environments: Features cross-linked Ethylene-Propylene-Rubber (EPR) core insulation and a highly abrasion-resistant Polyurethane (PUR) safety-orange outer sheath.
  • Excellent Potential Separation: Open-twisted construction reduces asymmetrical voltage drops and mitigates electromagnetic interference (EMI).
  • Optimized Termination: Central control cable with $8 \times 1\text{ mm}^2$ tinned copper conductors allows simplified connector harnessing.

BETAjet 400FRNC-quadroflex 400Hz Ground Power Cable

In modern aviation ground support operations, the transmission of 400Hz medium-frequency power requires cables capable of withstanding extreme mechanical dragging, UV exposure, chemical fluids (such as aviation fuels and deicing agents), and continuous dynamic flexing. BETAjet 400FRNC-quadroflex, engineered by Jiangsu Tebaoflex Special Cable Co., Ltd. (TEBAOFLEX), is built specifically to address these challenges on airport aprons, under-floor pit systems, and passenger bridge cable dispensers.

Structural Composition & Material Science

  • Power Conductors: Bare fine copper strands compliant with VDE 0295 and IEC 60228 standards. Conductor flexibility is optimized via Class 5 or Class 6  engineering, allowing tight dynamic bending radii.
  • Core Insulation: Cross-linked Ethylene-Propylene-Rubber (EPR), providing exceptional dielectric strength and heat resistance under continuous load.
  • Central Control Assembly: Comprises 8mm tinned Class 5 copper conductors insulated with Polyolefin Copolymer. Standard white cores with clear sequential black numbering for error-free installation.
  • Outer Sheath: Formulated from premium wear-resistant Polyurethane (PUR), colored safety orange. It offers robust defense against tearing, dragging abrasion on concrete, oil penetration, and UV degradation.

Technical Specifications

Technical Parameter Value / Limits Standard Reference
Nominal Voltage  115 / 200V 400 Hz aircraft ground power networks
Max. Permissible Voltage  600 / 1000V Maximum power limit
Testing Voltage 4000VAC Dielectric test
Operating Temperature -40C to +90C Dynamic application limits
Recommended Max. Length 15m Due to asymmetric voltage drop limitations

Mechanical & Dimensional Parameters

Approx. Outer Diameter (mm) Approx. Outer emptyset Single Conductor (mm) Net Cable Weight (kg/km) Static Bending Radius (mm) Dynamic Bending Radius (mm) Order Number
39.6 16.0 2587 > 126 > 170 300286
44.3 18.3 3286 > 132 > 176 300287

TEBAOFLEX cables are subjected to strict testing procedures under state-of-the-art laboratory environments to assure safety and reliable lifecycle metrics:

  • Halogen-Free: Tested according to IEC 60754-1 & EN 50267-2-1
  • Low Acid Gas Corrosivity: Meets IEC 60754-2 & EN 50267-2-2
  • Low Toxicity Index: Confirms with NES 02-713 and NFC 20-454 requirements.
  • Flame Retardancy: Self-extinguishing properties according to IEC 60332-1 & EN 50265-1.
  • Industrial Oil Resistance: Excellent durability rating under EN 60811-2-1

Certified Quality Assurance

Jiangsu Tebaoflex Special Cable Co., Ltd. is an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accredited company with massive investments in production testing equipment. Our flexible aircraft charging cables hold verified international certificates:

  • CE Verification of Conformity (No. ICR/VC/HTT260331): Verified against European harmonized standards, including DIN VDE 0250-812, DIN VDE 0250-813, DIN VDE 0250-814, DIN VDE 0250-815, DIN VDE 0250-602, DIN VDE 0250-605, VDE 0250-606, and DIN VDE 0282.
  • UL Compliance Certificate (File No. E553318): Fully approved for Flexible Cord applications according to North American safety directives UL 62 and CSA C22.2 No. 49.

Target Industrial Applications

The BETAjet 400FRNC-quadroflex is built to withstand high mechanical tension and complex motion profiles in the following environments:

  1. Passenger Boarding Bridges (PBB): Installed inside droop loop setups or vertical cable carrier guides.
  2. Mobile Ground Power Units (GPUs): Wound onto motorized cable reels or trailers powered by 400Hz diesel generators.
  3. Underground Pits: Heavy duty performance in damp, retractable under-floor ground service pits where water or glycol mixtures may collect.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does TEBAOFLEX provide pre-assembled 400Hz cables with aircraft connectors?

Yes. Jiangsu Tebaoflex provides complete factory-tested and harnessed assemblies complete with standard 400Hz aircraft plugs (such as standard R67 or 6-pin molded plugs) upon inquiry. We provide turnkey ground support solutions ready for installation.

Q2: Why is the maximum recommended cable length specified as 15 meters?

Due to the electromagnetic dynamics of high-frequency 400Hz power transmissions, longer cable lengths can experience asymmetric voltage drops, which might affect the power supply standards of high-precision aircraft electronics. For custom configurations exceeding 15 meters, please contact our technical department for custom engineering evaluations.

Q3: How does the PUR outer jacket perform compared to traditional PVC in airport environments?

Traditional PVC cables tend to harden, crack, and lose flexibility under extreme sub-zero weather or hot apron tarmac, and they show minimal resistance to jet fuel. TEBAOFLEX’s custom PUR (Polyurethane) outer sheath maintains high mechanical flexibility down to -40°C, possesses premium tear/abrasion resistance when dragged over concrete, and completely resists aviation oils and glycol-based deicing fluids.