What precautionary checks are essential when hooking up external power?

When hooking up external power, ensuring a proper ground cable connection is crucial for several reasons. The ground cable serves to provide a safety path for electrical faults that could occur while power is being supplied to the aircraft. This prevents any back flow of electricity that could cause damage to the aircraft’s systems or pose safety risks to personnel. A secure ground connection helps to dissipate static electricity and reduces the risk of fire due to electrical shorts.

By grounding the aircraft during external power usage, it also protects sensitive electronic systems from transients or surges that might be present in power supplies. This step is vital to ensure the integrity and safety of both the aircraft and the ground personnel involved in the operation. Ensuring that the ground connection is properly established minimizes hazards and is an accepted best practice in aviation maintenance and operations.