Hubbell Utility socket, found in Galleys
 

Hubbell Utility socket, found in Galleys - carries 115VAC 400Hz. But where does one find a converter, or plug which fits?

Think Hubbell First lists many different plugs but most look like normal mains types.

Failing that there's always sidecutters!:E:E

Just for powering a laptop when occasionally deadheading.

If this is aviation grade stuff, I imagine it would cost dearly! Too bad my old fits-it-all converter does not fit this plug. Tried the one in the washroom, and it was disconnected (converted freighter ...)

Good luck with the 400Hz mate.

I've seen colleagues plug their laptops to the cockpit outlet and 400Hz didn't seem to be an issue.

It isn't. I regulary charge different electronic devices using the 400Hz power outlet on board. Works perfectly, haven't had any problems yet. But only when on the ground - company policy.

Using 400Hz through a tru rated for 50-60 Hz will result in low output voltage and/or high tru temperature. One is bad for your devices battery the other is bad for your tru(power supply).

There is a reason they put the frequency range on the back of power transformers.

DBAte: of course (really) ;)

FE Hoppy: I'll let the computer addicts know.

During my flt ops engr career, I regularly charged my TI-58C handheld (I'm dating myself...) using a 400hz source near the jumpseat. The charger was a simple transformer-rectifier device, and in general, transformers designed for 50-60 hz are perfectly happy (cooler than normal) on 400hz.

The converse IS NOT TRUE - there's not enough iron in a 400hz transformer to permit it to run at lower frequency. 400 hz transformers (& motors, generators, etc), because of their lighter weight, are popular in aircraft.

The switching-type power device for a laptop first rectifies the incoming AC to DC to drive the switching semiconductors. It should not matter what the power frequency is; 400 should be as good (or better) than 50-60 hz.

And yet the option to have pc power outlets fitted in the cockpit costs tens of thousands of $ :ugh: